Emerging Leaders Program Associate - Ft Smith, AR

Leadership Development Associate

Own your work. Own your future.

At RGA, you're not just working a job-you're investing in your future. As part of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), you earn real equity and get a voice in a company that treats you like a person, not a number. That means when we grow, you grow. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance, this is a place where your work makes a real impact-and where leadership listens.

Why you'll like it here:

• Real ownership - You earn equity. That means real financial growth, not just a paycheck.
• Supportive, respectful culture - We treat you like a pro and trust you to do your job-no micromanaging
• Strong benefits - Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, vacation, holidays, and stock ownership.
• Career growth - Learn hands-on skills and move up fast. Many of our managers started on the floor.
• Purposeful work - What you build here helps keep America running-schools, farms, factories, and more.

You belong here if you're:

• Reliable, motivated, and ready to learn
• Proud of your work and your team
• Looking for more than just another job

Sound like you? Don't wait-apply today and start building a future you truly own.

This position will be located in Ft Smith, Arkansas.

Position purpose:

This role is designed for a high-potential individual who is looking to grow into a future leadership position within our industrial sales organization. The Leadership Development Associate will go through a structured learning and immersion experience focused on working in and understanding our business, our people, and what it takes to lead effectively in a fast-paced industrial distribution environment. This is not a management role. You will not have direct reports initially. Instead, you will learn alongside experienced employees, gain real-world exposure, and begin building the foundational skills required to lead teams in the future.

What you'll do:

Learn the business

· Work in a branch to understand how the business runs day-to-day

· Work in each area of our business to learn what we do

· Learn key roles, workflows, and what drives performance

· Observe and support frontline employees and leaders in real situations

Develop leadership skills

· Participate in structured leadership development programs and training

· Learn core leadership fundamentals: communication, accountability, coaching, and team leadership

· Practice these skills in real-world scenarios with guidance and feedback

Support the field

· Assist employees and leaders with team initiatives, projects, and operational priorities

· Help reinforce consistent practices (team meetings, 1:1s, communication rhythms)

· Gain exposure to common leadership challenges and how they are addressed

Build relationships

· Work closely with employees and leaders across a branch

· Learn how to influence, communicate, and build trust without formal authority

What success looks like:

· Strong understanding of our business, operations, and culture

· Demonstrated growth in leadership behaviors and mindset

· Ability to communicate effectively, lead from the seat you are in and build relationships across teams

· Readiness to step into a frontline leadership role when the opportunity arises

What we're looking for:

Required:

· 2–5+ years of experience in operations, sales, or a related field

· Strong desire to grow into a leadership role

· Must be willing to travel and relocate as opportunities arise

· Willingness to learn, take feedback, and step into new challenges

· Strong work ethic and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

· Degree and/or experience in industrial distribution, or field-based environments

· Demonstrated initiative or informal leadership experience

· Interest in developing people and leading teams

What makes this opportunity different:

· Clear path into a leadership role when a role becomes available

· Hands-on, real-world learning—not just classroom training

· Exposure to experienced leaders and day-to-day operations

· Opportunity to build leadership capability from the ground up

Physical demands of position:

· Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs frequently.

· Must stand, walk, climb, crouch, stoop, and bend throughout the shift.

· Travel by car may be required for offsite jobs.

Work environment:

· Works in both indoor and outdoor environments.

· Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.

· Frequently exposed to uncomfortably hot or cold temperatures.

· Occasional exposure to caustic chemicals, electrical hazards, and high noise levels.

Skills and qualifications:

• Basic proficiency with hand tools and measuring devices.
• Proficiency in computer systems such as Microsoft Office products
• Ability to follow instructions, both verbal and written in English.
• Good communication skills and teamwork abilities.
• Must be able to hear and see normally with or without the help of medical devices such as eyeglasses and hearing aids.
• Ability to work efficiently under supervision.

· Attention to detail and a commitment to safety procedures.

· Must be able to read and speak English.

• Must be able to use and read a tape measure

Evaluated quarterly on:

· Work quality & productivity

· Dependability & attitude

· Cooperation & communication

· Safety & policy compliance

· Willingness to learn and grow

Education and experience:

· Preferred: College degree in industrial distribution

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:

· Must have a valid, active driver's license with an insurable driving record