Emerging Leaders Program Associate - Ft Smith, AR

Own Your Work. Own Your Future.

At RGA, you're not just working a job-you're investing in your future. As part of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), you earn real equity and get a voice in a company that treats you like a person, not a number. That means when we grow, you grow. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance, this is a place where your work makes a real impact-and where leadership listens.

Why You'll Like It Here:

• Real Ownership - You earn equity. That means real financial growth, not just a paycheck.
• Supportive, Respectful Culture - We treat you like a pro and trust you to do your job-no micromanaging
• Strong Benefits - Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, vacation, holidays, and stock ownership.
• Career Growth - Learn hands-on skills and move up fast. Many of our managers started on the floor.
• Purposeful Work - What you build here helps keep America running-schools, farms, factories, and more.

You Belong Here If You're:

• Reliable, motivated, and ready to learn
• Proud of your work and your team
• Looking for more than just another job

Sound like you? Don't wait-apply today and start building a future you truly own.

THIS POSITION WILL BE LOCATED IN FT SMITH, ARKANSAS

Position Purpose:

This role is designed for a high-potential individual who is looking to grow into a future leadership position within our industrial sales organization. The Leadership Development Associate will go through a structured learning and immersion experience focused on working in and understanding our business, our people, and what it takes to lead effectively in a fast-paced industrial distribution environment. This is not a management role. You will not have direct reports initially. Instead, you will learn alongside experienced employees, gain real-world exposure, and begin building the foundational skills required to lead teams in the future.

What You’ll Do

Learn the Business

• Work in a branch to understand how the business runs day-to-day
• Work in each area of our business to learn what we do
• Learn key roles, workflows, and what drives performance
• Observe and support frontline employees and leaders in real situations

Develop Leadership Skills

• Participate in structured leadership development programs and training
• Learn core leadership fundamentals: communication, accountability, coaching, and team leadership
• Practice these skills in real-world scenarios with guidance and feedback

Support the Field

• Assist employees and leaders with team initiatives, projects, and operational priorities
• Help reinforce consistent practices (team meetings, 1:1s, communication rhythms)
• Gain exposure to common leadership challenges and how they are addressed

Build Relationships

• Work closely with employees and leaders across a branch
• Learn how to influence, communicate, and build trust without formal authority

What Success Looks Like

• Strong understanding of our business, operations, and culture
• Demonstrated growth in leadership behaviors and mindset
• Ability to communicate effectively, lead from the seat you are in and build relationships across teams
• Readiness to step into a frontline leadership role when the opportunity arises

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• 2–5+ years of experience in operations, sales, or a related field
• Strong desire to grow into a leadership role
• Must be willing to travel and relocate as opportunities arise
• Willingness to learn, take feedback, and step into new challenges
• Strong work ethic and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

• Degree and/or experience in industrial distribution, or field-based environments
• Demonstrated initiative or informal leadership experience
• Interest in developing people and leading teams

What Makes This Opportunity Different

• Clear path into a leadership role when a role becomes available
• Hands-on, real-world learning—not just classroom training
• Exposure to experienced leaders and day-to-day operations
• Opportunity to build leadership capability from the ground up

Physical Demands of Position:

• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Must stand, walk, climb, crouch, stoop, and bend throughout the shift.
• Travel by car may be required for offsite jobs.

Work Environment:

• Works in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.
• Frequently exposed to uncomfortably hot or cold temperatures.
• Occasional exposure to caustic chemicals, electrical hazards, and high noise levels.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Basic proficiency with hand tools and measuring devices.
• Proficiency in computer systems such as Microsoft Office products
• Ability to follow instructions, both verbal and written in English.
• Good communication skills and teamwork abilities.
• Must be able to hear and see normally with or without the help of medical devices such as eyeglasses and hearing aids.
• Ability to work efficiently under supervision.

• Attention to detail and a commitment to safety procedures.
• Must be able to read and speak English.

• Must be able to use and read a tape measure

Evaluated Quarterly On:

• Work Quality & Productivity
• Dependability & Attitude
• Cooperation & Communication
• Safety & Policy Compliance
• Willingness to Learn and Grow

Education and Experience:

• Preferred: College Degree in Industrial Distribution

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Must have a valid, active Driver’s License with an insurable driving record