Management Trainee – Branch Leadership Development Program

Location: Markham, Ontario

Department: Operations / Supply Chain / Finance / Sales

Reports To: CEO

Position Summary

The Management Trainee role is a structured 16-month leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential candidates for a future Branch Manager position. The trainee will rotate through key business functions—including Purchasing, Order Management, Finance, and Inside Sales—to gain full operational knowledge of the branch. Upon successful completion of the program, the trainee will assume responsibility for leading branch operations, staff performance, customer service, and overall profitability.

This role is ideal for individuals seeking a fast-track career path toward management in a fast-growing industrial safety supply and distribution company.

Program Overview & Rotations

Phase 1: Purchasing & Order Management (Months 1–5)

• Learn the full procurement workflow, including vendor communications, sourcing, pricing, and purchase order management.
• Assist with replenishment strategies, inventory forecasting, and category analysis.
• Support product onboarding, data accuracy, pricing updates, and SKU maintenance.
• Learn order entry, quoting, and customer order processing through the ERP and Shopify systems.
• Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to understand full order lifecycle.

Phase 2: Financial Management (Months 6–10)

• Learn accounts receivable processes: invoicing, collections, credit limits, and customer payment terms.
• Assist with accounts payable: vendor invoices, reconciliations, cost verifications, and payment scheduling.
• Understand branch-level financials including P&L reporting, gross margin analysis, operating expenses, and profitability levers.
• Support budgeting activities and financial planning.
• Participate in identifying cost-saving opportunities and margin improvement strategies.

Phase 3: Inside Sales & Customer Service Management (Months 11–13)

• Develop product knowledge across major categories (PPE, fall protection, gloves, first aid, signage, etc.).
• Respond to customer inquiries, prepare quotes, and proactively follow up on opportunities.
• Support inside sales team operations, service standards, and sales processes.
• Learn how to manage customer accounts, handle escalations, and maximize revenue opportunities.
• Assist sales leadership with pipeline management, quoting accuracy, and customer experience improvements.

Phase 4: Branch Operations & Leadership Readiness (Months 14–16)

• Shadow the Branch General Manager in daily operational leadership.
• Participate in scheduling, staffing, warehouse workflow planning, and performance reviews.
• Assist in operational KPIs: inventory accuracy, fill rates, lead times, and service metrics.
• Learn branch-level marketing, merchandising, and vendor program execution.
• Complete a capstone project demonstrating readiness for a Branch Manager position.

Post-Program Role: Branch Manager (Upon Successful Completion)

The Management Trainee will transition into a Branch Manager position where they will be responsible for:

• Full branch operations including warehouse, logistics, counter sales, and customer service.
• P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability management.
• Leading a team across sales, warehouse, and operations functions.
• Implementing corporate strategy, managing vendor programs, and driving branch growth.
• Ensuring compliance with company policies, safety standards, and operational processes.

Qualifications & Skills

• 0–3 years of experience in business, supply chain, finance, sales, or customer service (new graduates welcome).
• Strong desire to build a long-term leadership career in the industrial supply industry.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and business software (ERP/CRM experience an asset).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership potential with a willingness to learn, take initiative, and accept increasing responsibility.
• Valid driver's license (required for future branch responsibilities).

What We Offer

• A structured 16-month career development program.
• Hands-on mentorship from senior leadership.
• Exposure to all business functions including operations, finance, sales, purchasing, and customer service.
• Competitive compensation with a clear path to management.
• Opportunities for long-term career growth within a fast-expanding company.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00-$55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person