Management Trainee Program – Sales Leadership Development

Job Description

Management Trainee Program | CED

The Tone:
This is a full-time Management Trainee Program at CED, initially located in Portland, OR, with required relocation across the Pacific Northwest region. CED is a privately held leader in electrical distribution, offering a clear pathway to running your own multi-million dollar business. This role provides significant entrepreneurial autonomy and deep leadership development within a supportive framework, designed for individuals eager to own their career path and make tangible business decisions from day one.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career / Management Trainee
• Type: Full-Time
• Location: In-person, Portland, OR (starting, with relocation across OR, WA, ID, MT)
• Pay: $63150–$69000 yearly
• Mission: To develop future business managers capable of leading and growing their own CED locations, driving market growth and profitability.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Optimize Operations: Oversee and improve critical business operations, including warehouse logistics, inventory control, purchasing, and both warehouse and counter sales processes, learning the backbone of the business.
• Master Financial Acumen: Develop proficiency in financial management, encompassing accurate forecasting, strategic budgeting, and the oversight of accounts receivable and payable to ensure financial health.
• Cultivate Sales & Relationships: Build and nurture lasting customer relationships, creating tailored solutions and implementing effective sales strategies to drive market growth and satisfaction.
• Develop Strategic Leadership: Participate in hands-on training and workshops to cultivate team development, conduct thorough market analysis, and exercise increasing decision-making authority for business strategy.
• Prepare for Branch Management: Complete a comprehensive 2 to 2.5-year rotational program, preparing you to independently lead your own CED location, including hiring and managing a team, and driving market success with full company support.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree in any field, qualifying you for this entry-level career launchpad into business leadership.
• Experience: Willingness to relocate within the Pacific Northwest once during the program and again upon completing training; demonstrated self-starter attitude with entrepreneurial drive; strong work ethic and potential for team leadership; and a valid U.S. driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Skills: Outstanding communication abilities for building relationships and leading teams; strong organizational and problem-solving skills for managing complex business operations.
• Bonus: Prior experience in sales, retail, or customer service; proven leadership roles in academic, athletic, or professional settings; and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.