Management Development Associate - Arkansas

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