2026 Management & Sales Training Program (Madison/South)

Sherwin-Williams • Rockford, IL

2d

About The Position

The Sherwin-Williams Management & Sales Training Program is an accelerated, entry-level role designed to prepare participants for Store Management in 18–24 months. After successfully completing the initial eight-week training, participants have the opportunity to advance to Assistant Store Manager. The position typically requires 44 hours per week and may include evenings and/or weekends.

Participants work with store management to oversee a million-dollar business, contribute to store development and strategy, learn store operations and customer needs, and help grow market share by selling to commercial customers, including painting contractors, purchasing agents, and manufacturers. The training covers customer service, sales and marketing, finance, and operations, and includes support for setting and reviewing development objectives. Participants also build relationships in the community and develop skills for a career in management and professional sales.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without current or future employment visa sponsorship.
• Have a valid, unrestricted Driver’s License.
• Have at least a bachelor’s degree by the start of the development program.
• Be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to retrieve materials from shelves and floor stacks and frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 70 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience in retail, sales, or customer service.
• At least one year of experience in leadership roles, supervising others, or leading teams.
• Previous experience in a team-oriented setting, including work experience, extracurricular activities, or military service.
• Previous work experience selling paint and paint-related products.
• Work experience using timekeeping and/or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Willingness to relocate for future job opportunities.
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and communicate in more than one language, including Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Complete training consistent with the established program.
• Support business strategies to increase sales and optimize profitability.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent service.
• Build and maintain knowledge of products to make effective customer recommendations.
• Build positive relationships with wholesale and retail customers.
• Complete store administration.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures, including safety, loss prevention, and security.
• Maintain outstanding store condition and visual merchandising standards, including promotional packages and sales floor displays.
• Support employee training, development, performance management, and corrective action.
• Respond to and resolve customer and employee complaints.
• Partner with the Store Manager to make outside sales calls and increase market share.

Benefits

• A range of benefits designed to support health and well-being, retirement, health care, and daily commuting; eligibility and offerings are described on the company benefits website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level