What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales Trainee - Culpeper, VA position at United Electric Supply?
Sales Trainee
Who We Are
United Electric Supply Co. Inc. is a nationally recognized, 100% employee-owned company that is a large multi-regional supplier of electrical products and advanced services for the construction and industrial markets. United Electric offers a full range of electrical products and services with concentrations in industrial automation, building automation, lighting, wire/cable/conduit, distribution and control, data communications, electro-mechanical and energy solutions. With over 300 employees, United Electric is headquartered in New Castle, Delaware with locations throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and New York.
Position Summary
Ready to build a career, not just land your first job?
As a Sales Trainee at United Electric Supply, you’ll join a hands-on development program designed to launch your career in Outside Sales within the electrical distribution industry.
This program is built for motivated individuals who want to learn the business from the ground up, build meaningful relationships, and grow into trusted advisors for their customers.
At United Electric, our goal isn’t just to train you for your first role. It’s to help you build a long-term career. Through structured rotations, mentorship from experienced sales professionals, and industry training, you’ll gain the knowledge, confidence, and real-world experience needed to succeed.
Many of our top sales leaders have started in this exact program. We invest in people who are curious, driven, and excited to grow their careers with us.
Sales Trainee Program Summary
Our Sales Trainee Program spans 18-24months providing real-world exposure to every step of the customer experience, from receiving and fulfilling orders to building long-term customer partnerships.
Each rotation helps you understand how a sale moves from order entry → fulfillment → delivery → customer success. Along the way, you'll develop problem-solving skills, product knowledge, and the ability to serve customers with confidence.
You’ll also participate in industry training programs, product education, and sales development courses designed to accelerate your growth.
Training Cycles
The program includes hands-on experience across key areas of our business:
- Warehouse Operations
Learn the logistics behind our business including receiving, stocking, picking orders, and preparing materials for delivery. - Counter Sales
Work directly with contractors and customers, helping them find the right materials and learning how products are used in the field. - Product Groups (Gear, Lighting, Pipe, Wire)
Gain specialized product knowledge and work alongside our internal product experts. - Inside Sales
Develop quoting, order management, and customer relationship skills while supporting sales teams. - Business Development & Prospecting
Learn how to identify new opportunities, build a pipeline, and support business growth by developing foundational prospecting and relationship-building skills before completing the program. - Outside Sales Shadowing
Travel with experienced sales professionals to learn how customer relationships are built and maintained.
What You’ll Learn Throughout the Program
During your rotations, you will:
- Learn how to clearly communicate United Electric’s value to customers
- Build relationships with vendors and manufacturer partners
- Work alongside multiple departments to deliver the best customer experience
- Participate in web-based product and sales training programs
- Complete NAED EPEC certification modules to build a strong foundation in the electrical distribution industry
- Develop the confidence and knowledge needed to transition into Outside Sales
Location:
Flexibility with locations to maximize the roadmap. May need to be in locations with a counter and product groups during rotations. Supporting other locations for coverage as needed.
Future Role: Outside Sales / Account Representative
After completing the trainee program, you’ll step into an Outside Sales role, where you’ll manage customer relationships and help grow business within your territory.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers in your assigned territory
- Identifying opportunities to support customer projects and business goals
- Connecting customers with United’s full range of solutions including Support Services, OnPoint Automation, Client Services, and Product Groups
- Collaborating with Inside Sales and internal teams to deliver exceptional service
- Following up on quotes and driving orders to completion
- Partnering with manufacturers to support customer needs
- Participating in industry events and networking opportunities
- Providing sales forecasts and account updates
- Supporting marketing initiatives, new product launches, and training programs
This is a Safety Sensitive Position
- May be required to operate powered industrial trucks.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. several times a day, bend, twist, and climb.
Commitment to Safety
- Adhere to all United Electric health, safety, and environmental policies.
- Act in a safe and positive manner always, ensure that those around you do not put themselves or others at risk. Your personal safety is your responsibility.
- Complete an accident/Incident report for any safety and/or health infractions that occur or are witnessed.
- Support all United Electric health, safety, and environmental policies for all employees within your branch.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for individuals who are motivated to grow and excited to build a career in sales.
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively
- Problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated with a strong drive to succeed
Compensation & Benefits
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Disability Insurance and Life Insurance
- 401(K) and Stock Ownership
- Paid Vacation and holidays
- Educational Benefits
- Wellness Programs
- Work/Life Balance
- Guaranteed Commission while in Trainee Program
- Eligible for Commission, upon graduation from Trainee Program
We are an equal employment opportunity employer.