The posting
Sales in Training
Location: Oakes KIA | North Kansas City, MO Schedule: Full Time | Monday - Saturday with a day off through the week Compensation: $36,000 - $60,000 + annually
About the Role
The Sales in Training position is designed for motivated individuals who want to build a long-term career in automotive sales. This structured 6–8 week development program begins in our Sales BDC, where you will build a strong foundation in customer communication, CRM management, appointment setting, product knowledge, and dealership processes before progressively transitioning onto the sales floor. No previous automotive sales experience is required. We are looking for someone with the right attitude, work ethic, communication skills, and willingness to learn. Your progression is based on demonstrated competency, giving high-performing trainees the opportunity to advance into a Sales Consultant role once they are ready. Established in 2010, Oakes Auto Group is family-owned and locally operated, with a culture built around stability, growth, and long-term career development.
Pay & Benefits
- Competitive pay based on experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off + paid holidays
- Employee discounts
- Career growth across multiple stores
- Locally owned and operated
- Tuition reimbursement
- Community involvement and volunteer opportunities
- Clear career path into automotive sales
What You’ll Do
- Learn how to professionally communicate with customers by phone, text, email, and in person.
- Learn to manage customer leads and follow-up activity through our CRM while maintaining accurate documentation.
- Build confidence in appointment setting, needs analysis, objection handling, and customer follow-up.
- Develop knowledge of our vehicle lineup, features, trims, and available inventory to help match customers with the right vehicle.
- Learn dealership lead processes, including internet, phone, walk-in, and other customer opportunities.
- Develop strong time-management, organization, and follow-up habits.
- Participate in daily coaching, role-play, product training, and performance feedback.
- Shadow experienced Sales Consultants and dealership leaders as you progress through the program.
- Gradually learn and practice the full automotive sales process, including the meet and greet, needs analysis, vehicle selection, walkaround, test drive, and customer commitment.
- Demonstrate consistent professionalism, teamwork, reliability, and a customer-first approach throughout the program.
- Complete required dealership and manufacturer training.
- Work toward successfully completing the Sales in Training program and transitioning into a Sales Consultant role.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who wants more than just their next job. This opportunity is ideal for someone who is interested in building a career in sales but may not have previous automotive experience. You should be motivated by personal growth, comfortable talking with new people, open to coaching, and willing to put in the work required to develop your skills. Success in this program requires consistency, accountability, and the ability to apply feedback quickly. Previous customer service, retail, hospitality, call center, BDC, or sales experience is helpful, but not required.
What Makes YOU a Good Fit?
You may be a great fit for our Sales in Training program if you:
- Have a positive attitude and genuinely enjoy working with people.
- Are motivated to learn and build a long-term career.
- Communicate confidently and professionally.
- Are comfortable making phone calls and having conversations with new people.
- Can accept coaching and apply feedback to improve.
- Are organized and able to manage multiple customer conversations and follow-up tasks.
- Take ownership of your responsibilities and follow through on commitments.
- Are competitive, goal-oriented, and motivated by your own performance.
- Show up consistently and can be counted on by your team.
- Want an opportunity where your growth and performance can lead to greater responsibility and earning potential.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean or acceptable driving record.
- Ability to pass a standard background check.
- Strong reliability and consistent attendance.
- Ability to work the schedule required for the position, including evenings and weekends as needed.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
- Basic computer skills and willingness to learn new systems.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Willingness to learn dealership CRM and customer communication systems.
- Ability to receive and apply coaching and feedback.
- Previous automotive experience is not required.
About Oakes Auto Group
Oakes Auto Group is a locally owned and rapidly growing dealership group serving the Kansas City metro. We take pride in creating a workplace that feels supportive, grounded, and people-first. Our teams across North Kansas City, Olathe, and Kansas City operate with a shared focus on teamwork, personal growth, and doing right by our customers and our community.
We invest heavily in training, development, and internal promotion because we want our people to build long-term careers here, not just hold short-term jobs. Our stores value open communication, accountability, and a winning attitude, and we genuinely celebrate our employees’ successes and milestones.
Beyond the walls of our dealerships, we stay active in the community through local partnerships, volunteer opportunities, charity drives, and events that bring people together. We’re proud to represent a brand that is known for its culture, its commitment to service, and its belief that great people create great experiences.
If you’re looking for a workplace where you can grow, feel supported, and make an impact, Oakes Auto Group is a place where you can build your career.
We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
