Trade Sales Consultant Jobs
Trade Sales Consultant jobs are open across building materials, industrial supply, wholesale distribution, and home improvement, from entry-level territory reps to senior account managers, with specializations in contractor sales, B2B relationship management, and product demonstration. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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TITLE: SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTANT – GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
DEPARTMENT: SBDC
REPORTS TO: SBDC DIRECTOR
EE CLASSIFICATION: PART-TIME
FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
SALARY RANGE: $50.00 - $55.00/hour
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Orange County / Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network is a federal program partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration & the California Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development. The SBDC is hosted by CSU, Fullerton. The purpose of this grant is to provide no-cost technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Orange County. The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC) is seeking a knowledgeable, results-driven Global Trade & International Business Consultant to support small and medium-sized businesses seeking to enter, expand, and compete in international markets. The consultant will provide expert business advising, market intelligence, and practical strategies to help companies identify international opportunities, develop export capabilities, navigate global trade challenges, and establish sustainable international business relationships. Working collaboratively with the OCIE SBDC Global Trade team, the consultant will assist businesses across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties through individualized consulting, international market research, export readiness assessments, strategic planning, and connections to domestic and international trade resources. The ideal candidate combines strong international business expertise with practical experience in export development, global market entry, cross-border business relationships, and small business consulting. This individual should be comfortable translating complex international trade concepts into actionable strategies that help businesses increase sales, diversify markets, and achieve measurable growth.
*Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding or new Grant/Contract.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
● Provide consulting, training, and information services in the region to small size businesses.
● Maintain client database by preparing detailed written assessment and make recommendations for improvements.
● Keep abreast of business trends, techniques, and processes.
● Work collaboratively with peers and the business community to expand expertise.
● Community outreach responsibilities will include public presentations to key stakeholders and service on appropriate boards and committees related to economic development.
● Provide individualized, one-on-one consulting to small-sized businesses seeking to initiate, expand, or strengthen international trade activities.
● Assess companies' export readiness, international growth potential, operational capabilities, and competitive positioning.
● Develop actionable international business strategies, export plans, and market entry recommendations aligned with each company's goals, resources, and capabilities.
● Advise businesses on international sales development, distribution channels, pricing strategies, market positioning, and cross-border business opportunities.
● Assist companies in identifying and evaluating international customers, distributors, strategic partners, and suppliers.
● Support businesses in developing international business relationships, navigating cultural differences, and preparing for cross-border negotiations.
● Conduct comprehensive international market research to identify promising export markets, industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging business opportunities.
● Analyze international demand, market accessibility, customer segments, competitive positioning, and regulatory considerations.
● Prepare market intelligence reports, country profiles, competitive analyses, and market entry recommendations to support informed business decisions.
● Evaluate international market opportunities, including potential risks, barriers to entry, and opportunities for business expansion.
● Help businesses leverage international trade data, digital tools, and market intelligence resources to identify and prioritize global opportunities.
● Guide businesses through key aspects of export and import processes, including international shipping, logistics, customs procedures, documentation, and trade compliance.
● Provide practical guidance on international trade regulations, tariffs, trade agreements, product classification, and market-specific requirements.
● Educate businesses on international payment methods, export financing, risk mitigation, and available trade finance resources.
● Connect clients with appropriate government agencies, trade organizations, financial institutions, and specialized service providers for technical or regulatory assistance.
● Assist businesses in identifying and navigating operational challenges associated with international transactions and supply chains.
● Complete all forms and maintain client files as required by the SBA.
● Document information, assistance, and outcomes of sessions with clients related to consulting and training activities performed by the consultant.
● Provide Center with timely reports related to milestones and success stories of client’s economic outcomes.
● Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Strong knowledge of international trade, export development, global business strategy, and international market dynamics.
● Practical experience advising businesses on international market entry, export operations, or cross-border business development.
● Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate market intelligence into actionable business recommendations.
● Familiarity with U.S. export assistance programs, international trade resources, and regulatory frameworks.
● Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage business owners, government representatives, and international partners.
● Experience working with small and medium-sized businesses and an understanding of their unique operational, financial, and growth challenges.
● Ability to manage multiple consulting engagements independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
● A client-focused, solutions-oriented approach and a commitment to delivering measurable business outcomes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● Familiarity with U.S. Commercial Service, SBA export programs, EXIM Bank, California GO-Biz, and other international trade assistance resources.
● Experience organizing or supporting international trade missions, business matchmaking programs, or cross-border business initiatives.
● Knowledge of international trade opportunities involving strategic global markets.
● Professional certification in international trade, export management, or global business, such as Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), or an equivalent recognized industry credential. Candidates who do not hold an approved certification at the time of hire will be required to obtain one within six (6) months of their start date.
● Proficiency in additional languages is desirable.
● Experience delivering business training, workshops, or technical assistance programs.
EDUCATION:
● Minimum Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience in business management or financial analysis (minimum four years), or bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of business management or business ownership.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Lifting of up to 25lbs.; periodic bending; long-term periods of sitting; long term periods operating a computer.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
CSU Fullerton, Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at (657) 278-4117.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASC. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASC employees who apply for the position.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $50.00 - $55.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Irvine, CA 92618
Trade Sales Consultant Jobs by Experience Level
See All 46 Trade Sales Consultant Jobs
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Find Trade Sales Consultant JobsTrade Sales Consultant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- RH13
- Pella8
- GHY International3
- Deloitte2
- THE WOMBLE COMPANY2
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Accounting & Auditing
- Investment & Asset Management
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in trade sales consultant jobs.
- Two or more years of outside or B2B sales experience in a trade or distribution environment
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with contractors, dealers, or wholesale buyers
- Proficiency with CRM software to track accounts, pipeline activity, and follow-up tasks
- Strong product knowledge in a relevant category such as building materials, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly within an assigned territory
- High school diploma required, with a bachelor's degree in business or a related field preferred by many employers
Tips for Your Trade Sales Consultant Job Search
Highlight product and industry knowledge
Trade sales consultants are hired for category expertise, whether that's plumbing, HVAC, lumber, or electrical. Name the product lines and brands you've sold on your resume so recruiters can confirm your fit before the first call.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists trade sales consultant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by channel type
Some trade sales consultant roles focus on contractor accounts, others on retail or wholesale buyers. Filter your search by those channel types so you're applying where your existing relationships and selling style are actually an asset.
Prepare a territory review for interviews
Interviewers for trade sales roles often ask you to walk through how you'd approach a new territory from scratch. Have a structured answer ready: how you'd segment accounts, prioritize outreach, and build relationships with key contractors or buyers in the first 90 days.
Negotiate on base plus commission structure
Trade sales consultant compensation is usually a mix of base pay and variable commission tied to territory performance. Before your final interview, clarify how the commission plan is structured, what the quota is based on, and whether uncapped earning is available.
Trade Sales Consultant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most trade sales consultants?
RH, Pella, and GHY International are hiring the most trade sales consultants right now, with openings concentrated in Michigan, Illinois, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is strongest among regional distributors and national building materials suppliers expanding their contractor-facing sales teams.
How many trade sales consultant jobs are remote?
About 52% of trade sales consultant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most roles require regular in-person contact with contractors, dealers, or showroom partners. Inside sales and product specification consultant roles within the trade channel are the sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become a trade sales consultant?
Start by building experience in a customer-facing sales or distribution role, even in retail or inside sales, to develop product knowledge and objection-handling skills. From there, move into an outside sales or territory rep position in a trade channel like building materials, HVAC, or industrial supply. Strong contractors or dealer relationships and a consistent sales record are what get you into senior consultant roles.
Can you get hired as a trade sales consultant with little experience?
Yes, some employers hire candidates with limited direct trade sales experience if you can show strong relationship-building skills and genuine product category interest. Roles at regional distributors or as a junior territory rep are the most accessible entry points. Highlighting any experience working with contractors, tradespeople, or wholesale accounts, even in a support role, makes a real difference in getting callbacks.
What does the trade sales consultant interview process look like?
Most trade sales consultant interview processes run two to three rounds. The first is typically a phone screen focused on your sales background and category knowledge. A second round with a regional sales manager will often include a territory walkthrough exercise or a mock customer pitch. Final rounds may involve meeting a director or reviewing a sample account plan you've prepared in advance.
Where can I find and apply to trade sales consultant jobs?
You can find and apply to trade sales consultant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the roles that match your experience level and product category background, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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