Ready to launch your sales career? Ziegler Companies is seeking an ambitious, self-motivated individual to join our Sales Development Program, a unique opportunity designed to build the foundation for a successful long-term career in sales. As a Sales Development Representative, you'll gain hands-on experience, develop industry knowledge, and learn directly from experienced professionals across the organization. This program is designed to give you the skills, relationships, and business insight needed to succeed while providing exposure to a variety of products, customers, and markets. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to pursue rewarding sales careers in one of several key business areas, including Construction Sales, Agriculture Sales, Electric Power & Engine Sales, or Rental Equipment Sales.
Throughout the program, you'll rotate through and collaborate with several critical areas of the business, including Sales, Sales Administration, Parts Operations, Product Support, Marketing, and Technology. You'll also gain exposure to the diverse industries Ziegler serves, including Construction, Mining, Agriculture, and Electric Power. After approximately six to eight months of training and development, participants will be considered for long-term sales placement opportunities in the Minneapolis, MN or Des Moines, IA areas, providing a direct pathway to a customer-facing sales career with Ziegler.
Responsibilities:
Learn and understand Ziegler’s organizational structure, core business units, and internal workflows
Communicate consistently with your direct supervisor regarding progress, training needs, and development opportunities
Ask questions, seek feedback, and actively engage with trainers and mentors in each assigned department
Build meaningful relationships with employees across Sales, Parts, Service, Product Support, Marketing, and Technology
Participate in in‑person and online training sessions to build foundational knowledge of Ziegler’s products, systems, and customer support processes
Shadow Sales Representatives and Account Managers during customer visits, sales calls, and equipment demonstrations
Develop basic product knowledge of Ziegler’s equipment lines
Learn, enter, and maintain accurate customer information within the CRM system
Support branch operations by observing and participating in parts, service, and product support activities to understand how each department serves customers
Interact professionally with customers and employees in all settings, representing Ziegler with a positive and customer‑focused approach
Support trade shows, field days, and other company events by helping with set up and tear down, promoting Ziegler Companies, and engaging with attendees
Observe and learn the fundamentals of prospecting, lead follow‑up, pricing strategy, and team selling to prepare for future sales responsibilities
Demonstrate a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and commitment to developing the skills required for future placement into a Sales Representative or Account Manager role
Present a professional, neat, and clean personal appearance at all times
Make direct calls to customers at the request of your supervisor and log activities in CRM
Qualifications:
Associate degree (2-year degree) with relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor's degree in a related field required
Strong industry background
Prior sales experience in construction or agriculture industry a plus
Strong mechanical aptitude
Excellent written, electronic, and verbal communication skills
Proficient computer skills, including Word, Excel, and CRM systems
Strong work ethic and the ability to act with a sense of urgency
Willingness and ability to operate equipment for demonstration purposes after training
Key personal characteristics: self-motivated, customer-focused, learning-oriented, considerate/empathic, confident, and a strong team player
Must have and maintain a clean driving…