THIS POSITION WILL BE LOCATED IN EITHER LITTLE ROCK, SPRINGDALE OR 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