Leadership Development Associate in Rochester, New York at Flower City Group Inc

SUMMARY

The Transcend Leadership Development Program is designed for high-potential early-career professionals who are ready to grow, learn, and make an impact. If you’re curious, adaptable, and eager to take on challenges beyond your current role, this program will prepare you for a meaningful long-term career at Flower City Group, where we design and produce in-store signage and temporary point-of-purchase displays for leading brands and retailers.

As a Leadership Development Associate (aka a “Transcender”) you’ll gain hands-on experience through immersive rotations across manufacturing, operations, project management, estimating, design, sales coordination, and beyond. You’ll build both technical knowledge and core leadership capabilities while working alongside experienced mentors who are invested in your growth. This is a full-time, entry-level position with a structured development path designed to help you transcend expectations and transition into a role with real responsibility and influence.

The program is designed to span approximately two years, although the timing and rotation path may vary based on your development, career interests, and the evolving needs of our customers and business.

THE TRANSCEND EXPERIENCE

Leadership Rotations

• Participate in rotational assignments across key departments, such as:
  • Several weeks in key departments (Shipping, Kitpacking, Pressroom, Finishing and more), gaining foundational knowledge of how products move from concept to delivery
  • Approximately 6–12 months in Project Management, progressing from planning to execution
  • Approximately 3–6 months in Estimating, learning to develop accurate project quotes and proposals
  • Additional rotations aligned with your long-term career goals at FCG, which may include operations, logistics, purchasing, shipping/receiving, warehouse management, design, marketing, and more
• Each rotation provides exposure to different teams, workflows, and priorities, helping you understand how each function contributes to the company’s larger mission

Project Leadership

• Lead or support special projects in sales, recruitment, marketing, and organizational development alongside rotational responsibilities
• Contribute to shaping the future of the Transcend program by helping develop processes and resources for future participants
• Apply problem-solving skills to process improvement initiatives that benefit both customers and the company

Reporting & Reviews

• Submit progress reports every two weeks to company leadership highlighting wins, challenges, and recommendations
• Participate in formal performance reviews every six months with eligibility for a salary increase based on performance

Training & Development

• Receive personalized support from your Leadership Mentor, a dedicated advisor outside your reporting structure for career development and workplace guidance
• Attend sales and management meetings, strategy sessions, and industry trade shows
• Build core leadership abilities including communication, decision-making, prioritization, and collaboration

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in any field
• Prior leadership experience is a plus but not required; relevant internships or academic projects in business, sales, or marketing are valued

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Leadership potential with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace new challenges in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Travel

Perks & Benefits

• Monthly strategy sessions with senior leadership
• Assigned Leadership Mentor for ongoing support and development
• Industry-leading sales resources, including “New Sales Simplified” book and coaching series
• Competitive compensation with opportunities for performance-based raises and bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, company-paid life insurance, LTD, AD&D, and more
• Two pairs of super swaggy Transcend socks!

CAREER PROGRESSION

There is no single destination following the Transcend Leadership Development Program. Our goal is to find the right connection between you, the role, and the needs of the business.

Current Flower City Group employees who participated in similar rotational development programs have gone on to successful roles within the organization including CEO, VP of Business Development, Senior National Account Director, Account Manager, Structural Designer, and more.

As FCG continues to grow and evolve, we expect future Transcenders to pursue opportunities across an even broader range of functions (including roles that may not exist today). Your path will be shaped by your strengths, interests, performance, and the opportunities ahead.

WHO THRIVES IN THE TRANSCEND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Successful Transcenders are:

• Self-starters who embrace challenges and take initiative
• Open to feedback, learning, and new perspectives
• Adaptable, flexible, and willing to hustle
• Ready to get their hands dirty and step outside a traditional job description when needed
• Comfortable working with people at every level of the organization
• Willing to invest in learning the business for long-term success

AAP/EEO Statement

Flower City Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.