Sales and Operations Trainee

Summary Job title: Sales and Operations Trainee Job ID: null Department: Houston - WCE Location: null-null Description Summary: If you're looking for a career opportunity instead of just a job, CED is a great option. We’re a nationwide company offering competitive pay and benefits, while investing in your personal and professional development. Full time, paid training is provided to prepare you for success at our local profit center. You'll be part of a small, highly motivated team in an industry and company that is rapidly growing. We're looking for future leaders of our business! Reports to: Profit Center Manager Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree Must be able to work an 8-hour day shift, Monday through Friday Current, valid driver's license Authorization to work in the United States (without requiring work authorizations sponsorship by CED now or in the future) Preferred Qualifications: Customer service experience - 2 years Ability to speak and read Spanish Working Conditions: No remote work available. Work is on-site only. Conditions vary based on the trainee’s current segment of the training and may include warehouse, office, and external environments. Activities may include lifting, sorting, standing, possible extreme heat/cold conditions. Office activities may include sitting for extended periods. Some travel may be required. Supervisory Responsibilities: No Essential Job Functions: Job Purpose: The Sales & Operations Trainee position is designed to develop future sales and operational leaders by providing structured exposure to inside sales, quotations, project management, purchasing, warehouse operations, customer service, profitability management, and outside sales. The trainee will learn how the entire profit center operates while developing the knowledge, skills, and business judgment necessary to successfully manage customers, projects, and sales opportunities. Duties: Customer Service & Inside Sales Provide professional customer service in person, by phone, and electronically. Process customer orders accurately and efficiently. Enter quotes, orders, returns, and related transactions into company systems. Research product availability, lead times, pricing, and alternatives. Follow up on open orders, backorders, and customer requests. Assist customers with product identification and application needs. Communicate proactively with customers regarding order status and issues. Support account development efforts through customer contact and follow-up. Identify opportunities to increase sales, improve customer satisfaction, and strengthen customer relationships. Maintain accurate customer activity notes and documentation. Quotations & Pricing Prepare and process customer quotations under supervisor guidance. Request pricing and technical support from manufacturers and vendors. Verify current cost, pricing, freight, lead time, and commercial terms before issuing quotations. Review quote profitability and margin expectations. Support bid preparation and quotation follow-up activities. Assist in maintaining quote records and tracking quote-to-order conversion activity. Identify quote risks and escalation issues appropriately. Learn company pricing strategies, margin management practices, and profitability expectations. Project Management & Order Execution Assist with project order entry, tracking, and coordination. Monitor project milestones, material status, and delivery requirements. Coordinate with vendors, purchasing, warehouse personnel, sales representatives, and customers to support project execution. Assist with submittals, documentation, expediting, and project close-out activities. Communicate project delays, shortages, and risks to appropriate stakeholders. Maintain organized project records and documentation. Support efforts to ensure orders are delivered accurately and on time. Operations & Supply Chain Support Learn and support receiving, stocking, picking, shipping, and inventory processes. Assist with inventory management, cycle counts, and inventory accuracy efforts. Understand the impact of inventory decisions on customer service and profitability. Coordinate with purchasing regarding material availability, lead times, and special-order items. Support warehouse and logistics functions as needed. Follow operational procedures related to order fulfillment, delivery scheduling, and customer commitments. Identify and communicate operational issues that may affect customer service. Vendor & Product Development Participate in manufacturer and vendor training programs. Develop product knowledge across key electrical product categories. Work with manufacturers to obtain technical information and application support. Learn vendor strengths, lead times, stocking programs, and market positioning. Support customer and sales team product inquiries. Develop the ability to recommend product alternatives and solutions. Outside Sales Development Shadow outside sales representatives during customer visits. Learn account management and customer development principles. Observe sales planning, prospecting, and opportunity development activities. Assist with customer follow-up and account support activities. Learn how to identify growth opportunities, new accounts, and market opportunities. Develop professional communication and relationship-building skills. Financial & Business Acumen Learn basic accounting, credit, billing, and profitability concepts. Understand how sales decisions impact margin, cash flow, inventory, and profitability. Support activities that protect company gross profit and financial performance. Review and analyze basic sales, profitability, and operational reports. Follow company credit, pricing, and documentation procedures. Continuous Improvement & Professional Development Successfully complete assigned training rotations. Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and willingness to learn. Maintain strong attendance and reliability. Participate in team meetings and training activities. Develop proficiency in company systems, software, and operational processes. Support a culture of teamwork, urgency, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Perform other duties and business-support activities as assigned. Physical & Work Requirements Ability to work in office, warehouse, and customer-facing environments. Ability to occasionally lift and move products and materials. Ability to travel locally for customer visits, training, vendor meetings, and branch activities. Ability to spend extended periods using computers and business systems. CED is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability | Veteran Compensation Range: The compensation range for this position is $50000 to $60000 annually. Other Compensation: The following additional compensation may be applicable for this position: Profit Sharing Benefits: Benefits available for this position are: Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision Care for full-time positions Insurance - Medical only for part-time positions, 30+ hours/week Disability Insurance Life Insurance 401(k) Paid Sick Leave Paid Holidays Paid Vacation Health Savings Account (HSA) and matching Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Teledoc Paid Pregnancy & New Parent Leave #J-18808-Ljbffr Consolidated Electrical Distributors