Strategic Development Program Trainee

Job Description

As a Strategic Development Program (SDP) Trainee, you won’t just learn the business — you’ll be preparing to lead it. This immersive, multi-phase program is designed to give you a 360° view of EMCO’s Fire Protection division and the tools to step into a future leadership role.

From the ground up, you’ll rotate through key areas of our business, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship in logistics, operations, sales, and account management. By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to take ownership of your career path — whether that means managing a Profit Centre, leading a sales team, or driving operations strategy.

What You’ll Experience

Phase 1 – Warehouse & Logistics

• Master our products, supply chain, and customer fulfillment process

• Build an understanding of sales support and the importance of operational excellence

Phase 2 – Operations & Business Fundamentals

• Engage in customer service, order management, counter sales, and inventory control

• Learn pricing strategies, credit management, and financial reporting essentials

Phase 3 – Inside Sales & Project Management

• Support customers with product and service needs

• Take ownership of projects, from quoting through to delivery, ensuring timelines and budgets are met

Phase 4 – Outside Sales & Account Management

• Identify new business opportunities and grow customer relationships

• Learn to sell strategically, negotiate effectively, and build strong partnerships with vendors and contractors

Phase 5 – Career Path Acceleration

• Combine your training, skills, and experience to determine your ideal role within EMCO

• Launch into a career track with opportunities in leadership, operations, or sales management

This program is more than a training opportunity — it’s the foundation for a long-term career in an industry that protects lives and shapes skylines.

Qualifications

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education (College or University degree) or equivalent combination of education and experience

• A growth mindset — eager to learn, adapt, and continuously improve

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build meaningful relationships with customers, vendors, and teammates

• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, with a drive to find solutions and deliver results

• Entrepreneurial spirit — proactive, accountable, and motivated to take ownership of challenges and opportunities

• Collaborative mindset, but equally comfortable working independently and taking initiative

• Organizational and time management skills to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Digital fluency — comfortable using Microsoft Office and quick to adopt new technology, tools, and systems

• A high standard of integrity and professionalism with a strong work ethic

Additional Information

Compensation: Competitive entry-level base salary, comprehensive benefits, and participation in our profit-sharing program.

Salary Range: $45,000-$65,000

EMCO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a discrimination, harassment, and barrier free workplace where all employees can contribute to their fullest potential. EMCO is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, creed, place of origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. We welcome applications from all minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, neurodiversity, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

EMCO uses third-party artificial intelligence to assess resumes to facilitate the review of candidates. For further information, please contact 226-268-7589.