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Sales Manager Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Menards

Manager Trainee

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

Manager Trainee TINLEY PARK, IL Manager Trainees Full Time $18.00 Per Hour Make BIG Money at Menards! Extra $3 per hour on Sat/Sun Store Discount Profit Sharing Exclusive Discounts for gyms, car ...

Tower Loan

Manager Trainee

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

Manager Trainee At Tower Loan, we're committed to developing future leaders! Our full-time Manager ... Become proficient in customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and operations. * Develop ...

Towerloan

Manager Trainee

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

Manager Trainee At Tower Loan, we're committed to developing future leaders! Our full-time Manager ... Become proficient in customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and operations. * Develop ...

Tower Loan

Manager Trainee

Aurora, IL · On-site

Manager Trainee At Tower Loan, we're committed to developing future leaders! Our full-time Manager ... Become proficient in customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and operations. * Develop ...

Towerloan

Manager Trainee

Aurora, IL

Manager Trainee At Tower Loan, we're committed to developing future leaders! Our full-time Manager ... Become proficient in customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and operations. * Develop ...

Tower Loan

Manager Trainee

Waukegan, IL · On-site

Manager Trainee At Tower Loan, we're committed to developing future leaders! Our full-time Manager ... Become proficient in customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and operations. * Develop ...

Towerloan

Manager Trainee

Waukegan, IL

Manager Trainee At Tower Loan, we're committed to developing future leaders! Our full-time Manager ... Become proficient in customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and operations. * Develop ...

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Sales Manager Trainee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

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$37

How much do sales manager trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for sales manager trainee in Chicago, IL is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $25.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sales Manager Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sales Manager Trainee, you need a solid understanding of sales principles, customer relationship management, and typically a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, sales analytics tools, and Microsoft Office Suite is commonly expected. Strong interpersonal skills, leadership potential, and adaptability set top candidates apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for effectively building client relationships, meeting sales targets, and preparing for advancement into management positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Sales Manager Trainees during the transition from trainee to full sales manager?

Sales Manager Trainees often find the transition to a full sales manager challenging due to increased responsibility for meeting sales targets, managing a team, and developing strategic plans. Adapting from learning under supervision to independently leading and motivating a team can be demanding. Additionally, balancing administrative duties with hands-on sales activities requires strong organizational and time-management skills. However, most companies provide mentorship and structured training programs to support this transition and help trainees build confidence and competence.

What is a Sales Manager Trainee?

A Sales Manager Trainee is an entry-level professional who is training to become a sales manager. In this role, individuals learn about sales strategies, customer relationship management, and leadership skills needed to oversee a sales team. The position typically involves a combination of classroom learning and on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced sales managers. As trainees gain experience, they take on increasing responsibilities, such as assisting with sales planning, analyzing sales data, and supporting team performance. The ultimate goal is to prepare the trainee to advance into a full-fledged sales manager position.

What is the difference between Sales Manager Trainee vs Sales Associate?

AspectSales Manager TraineeSales Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer bachelor's degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, office settings, retail stores, or corporate environmentsRetail stores, showrooms, or sales floors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in retail, wholesale, and corporate sales sectors for developing future managersCommon in retail and service industries for direct customer sales

The Sales Manager Trainee role focuses on training and developing skills to become a sales manager, often involving structured programs and mentorship. In contrast, a Sales Associate primarily handles direct customer interactions and sales transactions. While both roles involve sales, the Trainee position is more focused on learning and growth within the sales management pathway.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Sales Manager Trainee jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Sales Manager Trainee job openings:
Sales Manager Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sales Manager Trainee job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 63% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,352 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Sales Management Trainee

Sales Management Trainee

Dayton Freight

Crest Hill, IL • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Dayton Freight rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 335 rated logistics

Job description

Overview
The Sales Management Trainee Program is geared toward recently graduated or soon-to-be graduating seniors. This 24-week, hands-on job experience offers the opportunity for each Trainee to become part of a team, expand upon their experience, actively participate in all areas of Dayton Freight's operations, as well as gain knowledge of our Company, culture, and the Transportation Industry. Additionally, the program educates each individual on future-based leadership skills so that upon completion of the 24-weeks, they are confident and competent to take on a sales position within our Company.
Responsibilities
  • Learn the LTL Industry
  • Gain experience in the Operation
  • Develop Leadership skills
  • Develop Sales knowledge

Qualifications
  • Must possess a valid Bachelor's degree from an accredited college
  • Must be willing to relocate to any Service Center
  • Must be willing to work a rotation of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift (during training)

Benefits
  • Stable and growing organization
  • Fast-paced work environment
  • Internal advancement opportunities
  • Competitive weekly pay
  • Modern facilities and technology
  • Unique training opportunity
  • Travel
  • Comprehensive benefits package: Health, 401(k), Dental, Vision, AD&D, etc.
  • Paid holidays (8); paid vacation and personal days

Starting Pay: $60,000 per year. This amount reflects total compensation (base + bonus).
Pay does vary depending on relevant industry experience.
Transportation, LTL, Freight, Management, Leadership, management training, trainee, training, servant leadership, culture, great company, college, college degree, supervisor, manager supervising, supervisor training, development, team development, Manager Training, manager trainee, manager, dock, supervisor, supervising, operations, degree

What Dayton Freight employees say

Pay

Benefits

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