Sales Trainee

Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc. seeks an entry-level Sales and Distribution Trainee to start hands-on in our distribution center, learning product flow, logistics, and material handling before moving into Inside or Counter Sales.

The role emphasizes customer focus and growth within a PVF-focused environment. You will rotate through operations, learn quotations, and build vendor relationships while using our CRM system and warehouse equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; August/December 2026 graduates considered.
• Able to work in a warehouse environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail; good time management.

Responsibilities

• Learn PVF products and commercial plumbing basics in the distribution center.
• Develop and maintain customer and vendor relationships to drive business.
• Generate product quotations with specs, lead times, pricing, and logistics.
• Process orders from eCommerce, phone, email, or in person.
• Respond to customer inquiries with prompt, accurate quotations.
• Educate on CRM system and other software updates.
• Handle returns paperwork and issue credits per policy.
• Operate forklift, scissor lift, and pallet jacks for shipments.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Time management

Teamwork

Warehouse environment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM

Forklift (training)

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