Sales Trainee

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC is seeking a Sales Trainee to gain hands-on experience in sales, account management and customer relations. You will work with experienced pros to develop sales acumen, learn market strategies, and contribute to growth within the organization.

The role targets candidates with initiative, strong communication, and a passion for career development in sales. Expect substantial day travel and a pathway to a sales position within about six months.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; post-secondary education preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute sales strategies for an assigned customer group.
• Generate accurate product orders to meet revenue targets.
• Execute promotions, launches, and POS initiatives for strong execution.
• Assist in cross merchandising and collaboration with internal teams.
• Build strong customer relationships and tailor solutions.
• Identify market trends and opportunities for growth.
• Ensure pricing and merchandising standards are followed across accounts.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Initiative

MS Office

Planning & organization

Driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in business/Marketing/Communications

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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Uncap Your Potential at America's Largest Coca-Cola Bottler — Pour Your Passion into Purpose!

We're more than beverages—we're building meaningful careers and vibrant communities. Join our team where your talent meets purpose, and every teammate directly shapes our success.

• Career Growth: Clear pathways to advance and develop your career
• Competitive Benefits: 401(k) match + health coverage + employee stock purchase plan
• Purpose-Driven: Create meaningful impact in the communities you serve
• Professional Development: Dedicated training + personalized mentorship

Join us - your refreshing new chapter starts here!

Job Overview

Territory: Cincinnati & Northern, KY

The Sales Trainee position is a foundational role designed to provide hands‑on experience in sales, account management, and customer relationship building. As a Sales Trainee, you will work closely with experienced professionals to develop your sales acumen, learn market strategies, and contribute to the growth of the organization. This role is ideal for individuals with high initiative, strong communication skills, and a passion for career development in sales. The position is intended to be a training position to allow for skill development and job experience, affording the advancement to a sales position within a reasonable time period not to exceed 6 months from the date of hire.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage and execute sales strategies within an assigned group of customers.
• Generate accurate product orders to ensure successful daily operations and meet revenue targets.
• Execute promotions, new product launches, Point-Of-Sale (POS) initiatives, and commercial plans to ensure excellence in execution standards.
• Assist in cross merchandising.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and stakeholders to align on sales objectives and strategies.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships by understanding their needs and presenting tailored solutions.
• Identify and communicate market trends, competitive activities, and opportunities for growth.
• Ensure compliance with pricing, planograms, and merchandising standards across assigned accounts.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to solve problems and follow up effectively.
• High initiative and willingness to learn new strategies and tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and mobile tools.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work a variable schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to drive a vehicle, deploying in and out of the vehicle for each stop, throughout the day and the full work week.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; post‑secondary education preferred.
• Up to 12 months of work experience in sales or a related field is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and required vehicle liability insurance.
• Availability of a personal vehicle for use during working hours.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds, repetitively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Communications, Marketing, or related.

The Sales Trainee role includes substantial day travel and interaction with customers in varying conditions, including non‑temperature-controlled environments. Approximately 90% of the work will be performed in the market, with 10% in a home office setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.