Sales Development Trainee/ Account Representative

SMC; Noblesville (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

SMC is offering a Sales Development Program in Noblesville, IN, an entry-level outside sales role designed to train candidates across our product lines, sales strategies, and supporting processes. The program blends classroom and hands-on learning and includes time with multiple departments to build broad internal knowledge.

The 12-week training covers sales operations, supply chain, product catalogs, and customer support, with opportunities for growth within branch locations nationwide after

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree or equivalent work experience is required, four-year degree preferred.
• Excellent communication skills are required.
• Proficient in using computers and learning new software/tools as needed.

Responsibilities

• Participate in 12 weeks of training covering sales operations, marketing, and product knowledge.
• Engage in learning activities across sales, supply chain, production, and customer service.
• Shadow experienced sales professionals on customer and distributor visits.
• Collaborate with cohort members to present customer pitches to leadership.
• Complete short-term assignments across functions to build cross-departmental relationships.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer skills

Education

Technical degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

PURPOSE

The SMC Sales Development Program is a sales development program designed to provide training on our extensive product line, proficiency of our corporate sales strategies, familiarity of our manufacturing methods, and competency of our internal support processes. This is an entry‑level outside sales position at SMC, with ample opportunity for growth once at the branch. The training is both classroom‑based and hands‑on, accommodating varied learning styles of trainees. Unlike other sales training programs, this program provides training through work‑experience; you will spend time with each of SMC’s departments working and building relationships throughout your time at headquarters. These cross‑departmental relationships and knowledge will make you invaluable to customers while in the field. We welcome interested individuals with all levels of experience and backgrounds to apply. The program is a great opportunity for those looking to gain an understanding of automation in manufacturing, regardless of prior education or work experience. We are looking for curious‑minded individuals who are looking to join a company dedicated to sustainable automation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Participants will receive training that ranges from sales skills development and corporate culture to SMC’s applications, product line, and target industries served. They will learn about sales strategy, marketing, manufacturing production, and order fulfillment. Specifically, the trainee will be required to participate in the following training activities during the 12 weeks of training:

• Actively participate in learning activities which demonstrate sales operations and supply chain functionality
• Complete written and practical training in supply chain policy and procedures
• Actively participate in learning the activities of a technical support role
• Complete basic pneumatics training and other technical training as directed by SMC sales management
• Review product catalogs & manuals to gain a basic understanding of SMC product
• Work with our internal support team to learn how to demonstrate “best in class” customer support
• Partner with experienced SMC sales professionals on customer & distributor visits
• Collaboration with cohort members to present a customer pitch to SMC leadership
• Complete short‑term work assignments in all functional areas of the business (such as production, warehouse, customer service, etc.)
• Participate in simulated selling scenarios onsite with Sales Division leadership and SMC’s successful sales team members
• Cross‑departmental and internal collaboration between teams to build strong relationships at headquarters that will be key to success in the field

AVAILABLE BRANCHES FOR ASSIGNMENT AFTER GRADUATING THE SALES ACADEMY

• Atlanta, GA
• Austin, TX
• Birmingham, AL*
• Boston, MA
• Charlotte, NC
• Chicago, IL
• Cincinnati, OH
• Cleveland, OH
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO*
• Indianapolis, IN
• Kansas City, MO*
• Knoxville, TN*
• Los Angeles, CA
• Milwaukee, WI
• Minneapolis, MN
• Nashville, TN
• New Jersey
• Phoenix, AZ
• Portland, OR
• Richmond, VA*
• Rochester, NY
• San Jose, CA
• St. Louis, MO
• Tampa, FL
• Some of the listed branches are satellite branches and will be hiring trainees on a case‑by‑case basis

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast‑paced environment (includes both office and field work)
• Occasional travel in a team training environment may be required
• Physically capable of lifting SMC products and displays up to 50 lbs.
• Varying work hours

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Two (2) year Technical degree or equivalent work experience, four (4) year degree preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficient in the use of computers and ability to learn new programs and tools as required