Sales Trainee

Sales Trainee - Paper Industry – Sustana Fiber, De Pere Mill

Sustana is the leading manufacture of sustainably produced, premium recycled fiber and paper, utilizing post-consumer material to create high-quality, low carbon footprint products. We have 12 different locations across North America in three different segments of the pulp and paper industry (Paper, Fiber and Recovery). Since August 2023, we acquired Hanna Paper, now Sustana Recovery. Sustana Recovery is committed to providing wastepaper management solutions that meet the specific needs of each of their customers, ensuring that they have access to the most efficient and cost-effective wastepaper management solution for their unique requirements. With this strategic acquisition, Sustana is committed to continuously investing in the stability and the sustainability circle of its supply chain. This acquisition is in the process of contributing to a strong future for the sustainable pulp and paper solution industry in North America.

Function: Sales

Title: Sales Trainee

Location: Midwest

Job type:Full time / Trainee

BENEFITS

At Sustana, we offer our employees a benefits package for you and your family including:

• Very competitive compensation and a bonus program
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance (single and family)
• Health insurance (single and family)
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance (single and family)

YOUR MANDATE

As a Sales Trainee in the Paper industry, you will be exposed to the full spectrum of the sales process, from prospecting to closing deals, and maintaining client relationships. This role is designed for individuals passionate about developing a career in sales, specifically within the paper and packaging industry. You will work closely with senior sales professionals and other departments to learn the nuances of product offerings, market positioning, and customer relationship management. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and competitive market, with the potential for long-term career advancement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in comprehensive training sessions on products, sales techniques, and market trends in the paper industry.
• Shadow experienced sales team members to observe and understand different sales approaches and strategies.
• Conduct research on potential clients, competitors, and market trends within the paper and packaging industry.
• Help gather and analyze customer data to identify potential leads and sales opportunities.
• Assist in identifying and qualifying potential clients through cold calling, email outreach, and networking.
• Learn how to build and maintain a prospect database.
• Support the sales team in managing existing customer accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Assist in resolving customer issues and complaints under the guidance of senior team members.
• Assist in preparing sales proposals, quotations, and presentations for potential clients.
• Learn in-depth knowledge about the company's paper products, their applications, and competitive advantages, in order to stay up to date on industry innovations, sustainability practices, and new product developments.
• Prepare and distribute sales reports, forecasts, and other sales-related documentation as required.
• Work closely with the marketing, logistics, and production teams to ensure smooth coordination and communication with clients.
• Collaborate with senior team members on sales tactics and follow-ups to close deals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related field. A background in sales or the paper industry is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to present ideas clearly and professionally.
• Keen understanding of customer needs and the ability to build relationships based on trust and service.
• Ability to research, gather, and analyze market data and present actionable insights.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Eagerness to learn, adapt to new challenges, and take initiative in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Ability to work well within a team and coordinate with other departments to achieve shared goals.
• Enthusiastic about developing a career in sales and willing to take on challenges to meet performance goals.
• Available to travel monthly to various markets with experienced sales professionals.

Sustana provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.