Industrial Automation Account Manager Trainee Sales Development Program

Ready to Launch Your Sales Career?

Don't settle for an entry-level job that simply gives you a place to start. Build a career with a company that will invest in your development.

The Grow Our Own (GO2) Industrial Sales Development Program is a 12-month, structured training program designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals who want to build a successful career in industrial sales.

You'll gain hands-on training, dedicated mentorship, and real-world customer experience while learning from experienced sales and technical professionals. Most importantly, you'll have a clear path to a full-time Account Manager role, where you'll manage your own territory, build customer relationships, and help solve complex industrial challenges.

No previous industrial sales experience is required. We're looking for motivated, curious individuals who enjoy building relationships, solving problems, and want to build a long-term career within SunSource and our family of companies.

Why GO2?

• Comprehensive classroom, technical, and hands-on training
• Dedicated mentorship and coaching from experienced sales professionals
• Exposure to multiple industrial technologies, products, and markets
• Real customer interaction and outside sales experience
• A clear path to a full-time Account Manager position
• Long-term career growth opportunities across SunSource's nationwide network of companies

What You Will Do

• Participate in a structured training program at one of our sales development hubs. Training locations may include Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, and other company locations.
• Learn consultative outside sales, territory management, and customer relationship development
• Receive product and application training from experienced technical and sales professionals
• Work alongside experienced Account Managers during customer visits and joint sales calls
• Build relationships with new and existing customers and develop product recommendations and technical solutions that improve productivity
• Gain hands-on experience with prospecting, quoting, negotiating, and closing business
• Receive ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development throughout the program

What You Will Need

We're looking for individuals who are interested in sales, motivated to learn, enjoy solving problems, and thrive in a relationship-driven environment.

• Desire a career in outside sales
• Bachelor's degree with an Engineering focus is preferred for this role
• Internship experience in manufacturing, distribution, engineering, industrial automation, or sales is a plus
• Mechanical curiosity and an interest in learning how industrial systems and equipment work
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Competitive mindset, strong work ethic, and desire to succeed in a performance-driven environment
• Ability to begin employment in Summer, Fall, or Winter 2026
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed, including occasional overnight travel
• Depending on location/position, willingness to relocate for approximately 12 months during training and relocate again for permanent placement upon successful completion of the program

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation: $50,000$65,000 + incentive during the training program, dependent upon business unit, training/territory location, degree, and experience
• Relocation assistance, where applicable
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid vacation, and company holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Technical training and ongoing professional development
• Career advancement opportunities across SunSource and our family of companies
• Upon successful completion of the program, promotion to Account Manager, with eligibility for commission and other incentives

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. If you are an individual with a disability and require an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io to request reasonable accommodation. Only requests for accommodation in the application process will be returned from this email address. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information.