STEP Associate
Position Summary
At Sonepar, successful leaders promote a mindset of adaptability, innovation, and continuous learning. The Sonepar Training for Emerging Professionals (STEP) Associate participates in a dynamic rotational development program designed to educate, train, and develop emerging professionals while establishing a foundation for a successful career. Through hands‑on experience, on‑the‑job training, e‑learning, subject‑matter‑expert instruction, and residency trips, participants gain broad exposure to operations, sales, procurement, logistics, project management, e‑Commerce, and the business philosophy of Sonepar USA and its Operating Companies. This role is designed to build future leaders by providing meaningful experiences across multiple areas of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Engage in warehouse operations, distribution processes, and logistics functions to develop a strong understanding of the business.
- Build relationships with key vendors in assigned markets to understand and promote vendor products while supporting marketing and sales initiatives.
- Maintain open communication with customers and Company technical support teams to identify issues, recognize market trends, and support the achievement of sales goals.
- Train customers and associates on Company products, features, benefits, and applications to deliver exceptional service and meet customer needs.
- Analyze sales data and market conditions to identify opportunities for growth and evaluate competitive strengths and weaknesses.
- Manage projects by developing a thorough understanding of organizational and customer needs, collaborating with internal and external partners, and presenting recommendations and solutions.
- Research strategic business initiatives and prepare presentations for audiences ranging from local management teams to executive leadership.
- Participate in training, development programs, site visits, and company‑sponsored activities while representing the local Operating Company.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, or a related field (minimum GPA of 3.0).
- Experience: Previous internship, co‑op, leadership, or related experience preferred; demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team and thrive in new environments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Effective verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Ability to build relationships and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Customer‑focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Adaptability to new situations, people, technologies, and business challenges while remaining flexible and resilient.
- Initiative‑driven, challenges the status quo, and continuously seeks opportunities for improvement.
- Curiosity and a commitment to learning, applying new knowledge to support business objectives and personal growth.
Benefits
- Healthcare plans
- Dental & vision coverage
- Paid time off
- Paid parental leave
- 401(k) retirement savings with company match
- Professional and personal development programs
- Opportunity to become a shareholder
- Employer‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability
- Employer‑paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
- Robust wellness program
- Gym reimbursement
- Employee Referral Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Earned wage access
- Military‑friendly workplace
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for connection and support