Sales Intern

Brief DescriptionPosition summaryThis 10-week, paid internship in Westlake, OH offers project-based work in sales with real business impact while providing housing for the duration of the program. Interns will collaborate with sales professionals and learn how specialty chemical distribution drives innovation, gaining valuable exposure to customer relationships, business development, and professional sales processes. Throughout the program, interns will also experience life at an employee-owned company, immersed in a culture built on curiosity, collaboration, and ownership.Essential tasks of the positionTrain under the supervision of the Training Specialist to obtain a baseline understanding of company’s Sales, Marketing and Operational functions.Above all, the primary responsibility is to perform work associated with specific business development projects resulting in qualified lead lists, then to use the lists to perform work associated with the sales process. Much of this work will be performed in conjunction with experienced Account Managers (outside sellers), Inside Sales Account Managers, or Market Managers (principal managers). Will be trained to perform the following functions as needed to support assigned project work:Observe and perform work with experienced employees to acquire knowledge of methods, procedures and standards required for performance of the business development and sales processes as it relates to assigned project work.Participate in selected training exercises including, but not limited to, sales training, product/application training, computer training and operations training. Learn how to effectively prepare for and conduct interactions with customers and/or principals (suppliers) coached or led by other members of the sales organization. Assist in the qualification of potential buyers for specified product lines.Assist in the analysis of data to determine target customers.Assist in the analysis of supply chain issues, understanding of cost components, and the development of customer pricing.Assist in the development of marketing strategy and/or pre-call planning activities to support assigned project work.Conduct direct customer contact as instructed.Assist in the documentation of sales activities through call reports, presentations and related CRM activities.Read and understand both technical and non-technical documents as they relate to the sales of and contracts for the products that the company represents.Complete a daily time study including detailed descriptions of work performed. Weekly submission will be required.Complete weekly written summary of performance and learning achieved through sales analysis or direct customer contact project work performed. Provide pertinent feedback to manager to support corporate quality initiative. Complete weekly one-page evaluation form for reflective component of internship portfolio and provide pertinent feedback to manager to support corporate quality initiative. Adhere to the terms of the non-disclosure as all materials are proprietary and are not to be copied for personal use.Perform duties and tasks as prescribed in company policies, procedures and work instructions.Initiate, recommend or provide solutions through designated channels.Any other task at the request of management.NoteThe outline of duties is not arranged in order of priority. These duties are not meant to restrict initiative, but rather to describe baseline activities. These duties will from time to time be altered to suit the needs of the company.We are a non-smoking and drug-free, professional environment.Education: Full time college student in a field applicable to our associated industries.Experience: The Sales Intern is not expected to have prior experience in managing and executing product sales. The experience requirement is at the discretion of management.Knowledge/SkillsIntermediate level of expertise in MS Office and email functionalityExcellent verbal and written communication abilitiesAbility to maintain professional conduct that exemplifies the corporate policies at all times, particularly when interacting directly with internal and external customersAbility to collaborate and work in a team environmentAbility to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretionDetail-oriented with strong, accurate clerical skillsProficient at multi-taskingHighly motivatedStrong desire to understand technical salesAbility to interface with both technical and non-technical personnelExhibit a ‘Learners Attitude” by being open and willing to expand knowledge and expertiseProactive problem solverAbility to read and learn about industry, product and application knowledge relative to the business of Palmer HollandTrainingAssessment techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting data.Additional skills required for managing sales, such as planning, organizing and communicating.