Distribution Trainee

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Discover a Career in an Essential Industry by joining our 2 Year Rotational Trainee Program!

When you join Core & Main, you’re stepping into a field that is stable, resilient, and nearly recession-proof. Why? Because everyone needs water-it’s the foundation of life and modern infrastructure. Our industry powers communities by delivering safe water and wastewater solutions, ensuring neighborhoods, businesses, and cities thrive.

Unlike sectors like banking or finance, this is a unique, often overlooked industry that combines innovation with purpose. Every project we touch impacts public health, sustainability, and the future of our communities. If you’re looking for a career that offers long-term security, meaningful work, and growth opportunities, this is where you belong.

Join us and help shape the backbone of America’s water infrastructure.

2 Year Rotational Trainee Hourly Rate+Bonuses

*Must be willing to relocate to another branch for Year 2 of the program(relo assistance provided in the form of a bonus) 

*Year 1: Hourly rate of 24/hour +5K sign on bonus+5K year 1 bonus

*Year 2: Hourly rate of 25/hour +5K graduation bonus

This is an entry-level cross functional program that develops employees for future roles as successful managers, accomplished outside sales professionals, and key operations personnel. This competitive program is designed to attract the very best talent. Participants will complete a program that includes rotational assignments in various segments of the branch business with on-the-job training. Program associates act as role models of professionalism, ethical behavior and utilize effective decision making at all times. Program associates must thrive on challenge and a changing environment, while demanding continuous learning in a competitive, fast paced environment.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

Rotate in various department roles and classroom seminars with the purpose of matching the individual with those best matches interests, skills, and abilities.

Learn key interfaces with within each area of business as well as company culture.

Experience hands-on training need to learn business process and procedure.

Details:

Our exciting rotational entry-level cross-functional Distribution Sales and Leadership Development Program develops employees for future roles with the company as Key Operations Personnel, Inside and Outside Sales Professionals and Leadership Roles. Participants will experience immersive on-the-job training that will put them in the driving seat of their own careers! We strive to uncover the core strength of each participant to help steer them towards a career in that arena while gaining an overall knowledge of all operations from the ground up.

What does the program look like?

• In this 2-year rotational program for recent college graduates, participants experience working in multiple branches and positions with various leaders. Some of the key roles you will rotate through include Warehouse, Buyer, Estimator, Inside Sales, Outside Sales and Operations Manager. At the end of year 1, the participant will relocate to new branch to complete the rest of the program.

Why participate in this program?

• Learn distribution operations by rotating throughout various departments, roles and classroom seminars.
• Experience hands-on training needed to learn all aspects of the business.
• Contribute to our culture through professional development.
• Enhance your business acumen and gain comprehensive distribution experience that will prepare you for a key role in the industry.
• Work within and among different communities to ensure they thrive with safe and sustainable infrastructure.
• Gain confidence as you learn new skills and actively contribute to company goals!
• Meet new friends and experience new places! As part of our rotational program, you are likely to relocate to live and work in a different location at least once (Waterworks only).

What does the work look like?

• You will experience a variety of work environments. Starting in the warehouse lifting, loading trucks, etc. you will also experience time in the office and out in the field consistently working in an indoor/outdoor environment.
• This is not a typical office job!
• Completion of a culmination project based on a real-world challenge. The results will be presented to Senior Leadership.
• Mixture of classroom learning and hands-on experience.

What qualifications are needed to be considered for the program?

• No more than 2 years of professional experience (excluding internships, or positions held prior to graduation).
• Preferred - Demonstrated history of holding effective leadership positions (e.g., associations, college groups, etc.).

What happens after the program is complete?

• Successful completion of the program results in an offer that will be the starting point to a fulfilling career!
• Upon completion of the program, the Distribution Trainees are in a unique position to be prepared for many different openings, including Key Operations Personnel, Inside and Outside Sales Professionals and Branch Leadership Roles.

• Continual learning - we offer tuition reimbursement, tuition grants and hundreds of hours of internal training both in person and online. Year over year, associates rate our learning opportunities as one of the most valuable aspects of working at Core & Main.

Successful completion of the program positions trainees for placement into roles such as:

• Operations or branch leadership roles
• Inside or outside sales positions
• Key operational support roles within branches
• Graduates of the program enter the organization with a broad understanding of distribution and are prepared for long term growth within Core & Main.

Candidate Profile

The Distribution Trainee Program is ideal for individuals who:

• Are early in their careers with recent graduation or limited professional experience
• Prefer active, hands on learning over traditional office roles
• Are interested in operations, logistics, sales, or leadership
• Are open to relocation and learning multiple sides of the business
• Want a stable career in an essential, infrastructure focused industry
• Leadership experience, technical aptitude, and prior hands on work experience are valued.

Learning Approach

The program is intentionally not a desk only role. Trainees work in a mix of environments including warehouses, offices, and job sites. The learning model includes:

• Hands on operational work
• Classroom style training sessions and seminars
• Exposure to leadership decision making
• A capstone or culmination project focused on solving a real business challenge, presented to senior leadership
• This structure helps trainees build confidence, problem solving skills, and professional maturity early in their careers.

Benefits:

• Medical with 100% preventative care coverage
• Health Savings Account
• Dental and Vision
• 401K (matching up to the first 3%)
• Continued learning opportunities through our onsite training facility and extensive online learning catalog
• Professional development and industry networking opportunities

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.  Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age,