POSITION: Business Development & Operations Trainee – Leadership Development Program
LOCATION: Multiple location options across Ontario (GTA, Southwestern, Eastern and Northern Ontario)
The Opportunity
Are you an ambitious, entrepreneurial-minded individual looking to build a career in business, sales and leadership?
We are partnering with a highly successful, nationally established Canadian organization operating within the B2B distribution sector to identify the next generation of business leaders for its Leadership Development Program.
This is much more than an entry-level position. It's a hands-on, immersive development opportunity designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of how to operate and grow a successful business starting from the ground up.
Through structured training, mentorship and exposure to multiple areas of the organization, you'll develop the commercial, operational and relationship-building skills required to eventually take on a leadership role within the business.
If you're a recent college or university graduate with strong interpersonal skills, a competitive mindset and the ambition to build something of your own, this could be an excellent opportunity to accelerate your career.
The Development Journey:
Over approximately 2-3 years, you'll progress through several areas of the business, gaining practical
experience and developing a well-rounded understanding of its operations and commercial activities. The ultimate objective by the end of the program is to develop well-rounded professionals capable of taking ownership of a business unit, leading a team or managing a significant customer portfolio.
1. Operations & Supply Chain Foundations
Get hands-on experience with the products, people and processes that keep the business running. Learn inventory management, logistics, shipping and receiving, warehouse operations and team coordination.
2. Customer Service & Business Operations
Develop an understanding of the commercial and operational side of the business, including customer service, counter sales, order management, pricing, inventory controls and day-to-day business administration.
3. Project Coordination & Inside Sales
Work directly with customers and internal teams to support residential and commercial projects, coordinate orders, prepare quotations and develop an understanding of customer requirements and project specifications.
4. Business Development & Account Management
Transition into a more commercially focused role, developing customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities, managing B2B accounts, negotiating agreements and driving revenue growth within an assigned market.
5. Your Next Chapter – Leadership & Career Advancement
Upon successful completion of the program, you'll be positioned to take the next step in your career, with opportunities to pursue business management, operational leadership or senior sales and account management roles, depending on your strengths, interests and performance.
What We're Looking For:
We're looking for individuals with the potential, personality and ambition to become future business leaders. You don't need to come from this industry or have previous distribution experience. We're more interested in your mindset, aptitude and willingness to learn.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Education: A completed college diploma or university degree. Business, Commerce, Economics, Marketing, Communications, Supply Chain Management and related disciplines are all relevant.
- Entrepreneurial Drive: A self-motivated, results-oriented mindset and a genuine interest in building a successful career.
- Communication & Relationship Skills: The ability to connect with people, build rapport and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
- Commercial Aptitude: An interest in sales, business development, customer relationships and understanding what drives business performance.
- Adaptability & Initiative: A willingness to step outside your comfort zone, take on new challenges and learn different aspects of an organization.
- A Hands-On Approach: Someone who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, learn the business from the ground up and earn the respect of the people they will eventually lead.
- Leadership Potential: The confidence, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively and ultimately take on greater responsibility.
Candidates with backgrounds in competitive athletics, hospitality, retail, customer service or other highly interactive environments may also bring valuable transferable skills.
What's In It For You?
Financial Opportunity
- Base salary plus attractive profit-sharing program that rewards business and financial performance.
- Year 1 total earning potential = 50-55K
- Opportunity to increase your earning potential as your responsibilities and career progress with six figure package possible by year 3!
Comprehensive Benefits
- Health, dental and vision coverage.
- Retirement savings and pension programs.
- Additional employee benefits and development opportunities plus educational reimbursement programs.
Accelerated Career Development
- A structured, hands-on development program with exposure to multiple business functions.
- Direct mentorship and guidance from experienced business leaders and senior management.
- A clear pathway toward management, business leadership or senior commercial roles.
Entrepreneurial Environment
- The stability, resources and support of a large, established national organization.
- The autonomy and entrepreneurial culture of a locally operated business.
- The opportunity to make a tangible impact on business performance and customer relationships.
Location & Availability
Opportunities are available across multiple locations throughout Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area, Southwestern Ontario, Eastern Ontario and Northern Ontario.
Candidates must be open to working on-site at their assigned location daily Monday to Friday with no work from home potential.
Ready to Build Your Career?
If you're ambitious, commercially minded and excited by the opportunity to develop into a future business leader, we'd love to hear from you.
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply online.
MacDonald Search Group is committed to diversity in hiring and more information on our EDI policy can be found on our website.
Thank you for your interest in the role but only qualified candidates will be contacted.
