Sales Trainee

Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc. in Birmingham, AL is seeking an entry-level Distribution Trainee ready to start a dynamic career in sales. You will work hands-on in our distribution center, learning product flow, logistics, and order processing.

The role focuses on gaining PVF knowledge, building customer and vendor relationships, and developing sales skills for inside or counter roles. A Bachelor's degree is required or soon-to-be graduates; strong communication and organizational skills are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Aug/Dec 2026 graduates considered).
• Excellent customer service skills.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Learn PVF product flow, logistics, and material handling in the distribution center.
• Build and maintain strong customer and vendor relationships to drive sales.
• Generate accurate product quotations with specs, lead times, pricing, and inventory details.
• Process orders received via eCommerce, phone, email, and in person.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide project quotations.
• Learn CRM tools and company procedures to improve order processing.
• Assist in inventory counts and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Organized

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About Eastern Industrial Supplies, IncWe 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.

About Eastern Industrial Supplies, IncWe 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).
• Excellent customer service skills.
• 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