Summit Development Program

Role Summary:

We’re looking for three things – an unwavering commitment to our customers, an unstoppable drive to exceed expectations and a relentless pursuit of excellence at every level.  Our Summit Development Program offers you the opportunity to start a career in a $110 billion, cutting-edge industry built on technical innovation.

The Path

In an accelerated career path like our Development Program the only barrier to your career advancement and professional development is you! Your job will be to learn about Summit, our industry, and our customers. We’ll give you all the tools and resources you need to succeed in your career in technical sales, logistics, or operations.  You'll build a foundation over a 12–14-month period that will prepare you for a multitude of career paths across the company.

You’ll start your hands-on training in logistics and warehousing to build a base knowledge needed for a successful sales or operations career.

The next phase of training will take you to our sales counter, providing you the opportunity to deepen your product knowledge while perfecting your sales skills and providing exceptional customer service. After the counter you will have the opportunity to rotate through other departments such as quotes, projects, and operations to name a few.

The last stop in your training will be on our inside sales team where you’ll work with customers and suppliers to ensure the right material arrives at the right time.  You’ll expand your grasp of Summit’s product offerings and business while mastering Summit’s sales processes and systems. 

Along the way, you'll complete a rigorous training schedule and program that will equip you with a knowledge of Summit's products, systems, processes, suppliers, and customers. You'll connect with other program participants across the business to support one another and complete group projects that will deliver value to Summit and its customers.

The Goal

Associates in the Development Program who have shown an ability to deliver on Summit’s commitment to integrity, respect for others, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service will build a foundation to prepare them for leadership roles in inside sales, outside sales, operations, and management.

Essential Job Functions:

The essential job functions for an associate in the Summit Development Program can vary depending on the specific program and position. However, general job functions for an SDP might include:

1. Product Knowledge and Training:
   • Learn about the wide range of products Summit distributes
   • Understand product specifications, applications, and benefits
2. Customer Service:
   • Assist customers with inquiries, provide product information, and recommend appropriate products
   • Develop strong customer relationships and handle customer issues or complaints effectively
3. Sales Support:
   • Support the sales team by preparing quotes, processing orders, and following up on sales leads
   • Participate in sales calls and customer meetings as needed
4. Inventory Management:
   • Learn inventory control processes, including receiving, stocking, and shipping products
   • Conduct regular inventory counts and assist in maintaining accurate inventory records
5. Operations:
   • Gain an understanding of warehouse operations, including logistics and supply chain management
   • Assist in maintaining a clean and organized warehouse environment
6. Technical Skills:
   • Develop proficiency in using Summit’s computer systems
   • Utilize technology to track orders, manage inventory, and support sales efforts
7. Team Collaboration:
   • Work closely with various departments, including sales, operations, other SDPs and customer service, to ensure efficient operations and customer satisfaction
   • Participate in one-on-one as well as team meetings and contribute to group projects
8. Training and Development:
   • Attend training sessions and workshops to enhance product knowledge, sales skills, and operational competencies
   • Complete all assigned training modules and assessments
9. Compliance and Safety:
   • Follow all company policies and procedures, including safety protocols
   • Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards

These functions are designed to provide SDPs with a comprehensive understanding of Summit’s sales and operations, preparing them for future roles within the company.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

We're more interested in who you are than your experience. An insatiable desire to learn and strong technical curiosity is required along with a work ethic that never quits until the job is done.  We want problem solvers who are always looking to find ways to provide value to our customers. 

Individuals who are self-motivated, disciplined, and are eager to build a career and have a background in distribution, supply chain, and business is a plus but some of our best associates don't have experience or a background in our business; however, they do share the same passion to serve customers. 

Beneficial Skills and Experience:

• Internship / employment with a wholesale electrical distributor
• Experience in supply chain
• Sales experience
• Self-motivator / Self-started
• Self-disciplined
• Problem solver
• Quick thinking

Physical Challenges:

Walking, standing for long periods of time while in warehouse and at counter. Sitting for long periods of time while job shadowing and gaining experience in other areas such as quotes, projects, and CSR experience.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

#LI-SD1