Sales Trainee

Eastern-Industrial-Supplies,-Inc.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern-Industrial-Supplies, Inc. is seeking a Sales and Distribution Trainee to start in our Birmingham distribution center. You will learn product flow, logistics, and material handling before transitioning into an Inside Sales or Counter Sales role.

This entry-level program focuses on hands-on training in our PVF and plumbing product lines. The role emphasizes customer and vendor relationship development, accurate quotations, order processing across channels, and ongoing CRM education to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree expected by Aug/Dec 2026.
• 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.
• Capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Learn PVF and commercial plumbing product flow and processes.
• Build relationships with customers and vendors to drive business.
• Prepare accurate product quotations including specs, lead times, pricing, and logistics.
• Process orders via eCommerce, phone, email, and in person.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide project quotations.
• Maintain vendor/manufacturer relationships to streamline order processing.
• Learn CRM and other software updates and procedures.
• Educate yourself on products to assist customers in purchasing decisions.
• Stay informed about active marketing programs to respond accurately.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Highly organized

Time management

Team player

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