Sales Associate - Des Moines

National Trench Safety; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

National Trench Safety in Des Moines, IA, is seeking a Sales Associate to join our growing team. This structured developmental role prepares you for careers in sales or operations within the construction and equipment rental industry.

You will gain hands-on exposure to inside sales processes, branch operations, and customer-facing activities; build foundational sales skills; and advance according to performance and training milestones, with a plan of up to twelve months.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in pursuing a career in Sales or Operations.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn across multiple business functions.
• High initiative, accountability, and follow-through.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn end-to-end sales process from lead generation to order fulfillment.
• Assist with inbound/outbound customer communications and account research.
• Support outside sales with pipeline management and documentation.
• Participate in customer meetings, jobsite visits, and ride-alongs to understand field sales dynamics.
• Develop product knowledge to advise customers on equipment solutions.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales documentation.
• Assist with preparing and processing sales/operational documents (contracts, invoices, etc.).
• Audit sales documents for accuracy and support branch operations including yard and logistics.
• Learn safety and compliance standards critical to branch performance.
• Identify growth opportunities within assigned accounts.

Skills

Career in Sales

Initiative & accountability

Communication skills

Time management

CRM proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

1–2 years Inside Sales or customer-facing sales

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Sales Associate role is a structured developmental position that prepares early career talent for sales or operational careers within the Company. This position provides hands‑on exposure to inside sales processes, branch operations, and customer‑facing sales activities within the construction and equipment rental industry. The role focuses on building foundational sales skills, product knowledge, and operational expertise, with advancement dependent on performance, training completion, and demonstrated competencies. This position follows a defined development plan and is intended to be held for no more than twelve (12) consecutive months.

Job Summary

The Sales Associate role is a structured developmental position that prepares early career talent for sales or operational careers within the Company. This position provides hands‑on exposure to inside sales processes, branch operations, and customer‑facing sales activities within the construction and equipment rental industry. The role focuses on building foundational sales skills, product knowledge, and operational expertise, with advancement dependent on performance, training completion, and demonstrated competencies. This position follows a defined development plan and is intended to be held for no more than twelve (12) consecutive months.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Development & Customer Engagement

• Learn and support the end to end sales process, from lead generation through order fulfillment
• Assist with inbound and outbound customer communications.
• Support Outside Sales Representatives with account research, prospecting activities, opportunity tracking, and pipeline management
• Participate in customer meetings, jobsite visits, and ride‑alongs to understand field sales dynamics
• Develop foundational products and application knowledge to support and educate customers on equipment solutions tailored to project needs
• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales documentation.

Sales Operations & Branch Support

• Assist with preparing and processing sales and operational documentation (contracts, invoices, pick lists, returns, etc.)
• Audit and validate sales documents for accuracy
• Gain hands on exposure to branch operations, including yard, shop, logistics, and administrative processes to support deliveries and pickups
• Learn safety, compliance, and operational standards critical to branch performance
• Follow up on open customer issues to ensure resolution
• Develop an understanding of how operational execution supports customer satisfaction and revenue growth

Market & Business Development

• Research local market conditions, customer segments, and competitive dynamics
• Support basic reporting on activity, pipeline progression, and operational metrics
• Learn how pricing, utilization, and service levels impact overall business performance
• Identify growth opportunities within assigned accounts

Training & Development

• Complete all required training modules and field learning experiences
• Demonstrate increasing independence, professionalism, and business acumen in managing customer interactions
• Participate in regular feedback and career path discussions
• Meet defined development milestones tied to readiness
• Other responsibilities as assigned to support branch performance and learning

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong interest in developing a career in Sales or Operations
• Curiosity and willingness to learn across multiple business functions
• High level of initiative, accountability, and follow‑through
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• High emotional intelligence and resilience
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, or related field preferred; or equivalent experience
• Ideal for recent graduates or early career professionals with limited full‑time experience, or up to two (2) years of Inside Sales or customer‑facing sales experience
• Construction, equipment rental, or related industry exposure preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for branch and jobsite exposure
• Willingness to relocate as needed for the next role