Sales Trainee

Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc. seeks an entry-level Sales and Distribution Trainee to launch a dynamic career in sales within our distribution center. You'll learn product flow, logistics, and material handling before transitioning into Inside Sales or Counter Sales.

This role emphasizes hands-on learning, teamwork, accurate quotations, order processing, and maintaining vendor relationships. You will gain operational knowledge of PVF and plumbing products, and use CRM tools while preparing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; August/December 2026 grads considered.
• Ability to work in a Warehouse environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Learn PVF and commercial plumbing product knowledge.
• Build and maintain customer and vendor relationships.
• Generate product quotations with specs, lead times, pricing, and logistics.
• Process orders received via eCommerce, phone, email, and in person.
• Respond to customer inquiries with timely project quotations.
• Coordinate with vendors and reps to streamline orders.
• Keep CRM and software knowledge up to date.
• Educate yourself on all company products.
• Stay informed on active marketing programs.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Organization & attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

We are a premier, full-line distributor of pipe, valves, fittings (PVF), commercial plumbing products, engineered instrumentation & controls, and corrosive resistant piping. With over 45 years of industry success, we operate 20 branch locations across the Southeast U.S. We connect our customers with top-tier brands helping them to reach their objectives.

At Eastern, we do more than sell industrial products. We are a purpose-driven organization that starts with honoring God in all we do by truly caring for people. Our culture is built on a simple vision: Enjoy Today, Embrace Tomorrow, and Enhance PVF. If you want a career where you are valued as a person-not just an employee-you belong here.

About the role

This is an entry-level role for a highly motivated, organized, and customer-focused individual ready to launch a dynamic career in sales! We are seeking a Sales and Distribution Trainee who is prepared to start their journey working hands-on in our distribution center environment learning our business before transitioning into a sales role (Inside Sales or Counter Sales). The initial phase of this role is critical, focusing entirely on learning the product flow, logistics, and material handling processes within our distribution center.

What you'll do

• Gain essential operational knowledge of pipe, valves, fittings (PVF) and commercial plumbing products.
• Develop and maintain stellar customer and vendor relationships to drive business.
• Generate accurate product quotations, including specifications, lead times, pricing, expiration dates, tagging, packaging, inventory, and logistics.
• Process all incoming orders received via eCommerce, phone, email, and in person.
• Provide prompt, accurate responses to customer calls and emails regarding new transactions and provide project quotations.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and manufacturer representatives to streamline order processing.
• Utilize and consistently educate yourself on updates and procedures for the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool and other software.
• Educate yourself on all company products to help customers make well-informed purchasing decisions.
• Stay informed on active marketing programs to accurately respond to customer inquiries.

Distribution Trainee

• Consistently review the order queue to track statuses and ensure customer requirements are met and information is accurate.
• Handle expedited orders to ensure prompt fulfillment and processing of delivery dates.
• Process required paperwork for product returns in a timely manner and issue customer credits according to company policy.
• Operate forklift, scissor lift, and pallet jacks to prepare shipments.
• Participate in inventory counts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (August and December 2026 graduates will be considered).
• Ability to work in a Warehouse environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks and demonstrate good time management.
• Proven ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Drug-Free Workplace