Job Title: Distribution Sales Manager
Location: Midwest Region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, or Ohio)
Employment Type: Direct Hire
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Distribution Sales Manager to drive profitable sales growth and expand distribution channel opportunities throughout the Midwest region. This role is responsible for managing key distributor relationships, developing new business opportunities, and partnering with end-user customers to identify application needs and deliver value-driven industrial solutions. The Distribution Sales Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute strategic sales initiatives, strengthen customer relationships, and achieve regional sales objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, maintain, and grow sales within assigned regional distribution accounts.
- Identify, qualify, and establish new distributor partnerships to expand market presence and increase revenue.
- Conduct regular sales calls with distributors and end-user customers to identify opportunities, gather customer feedback, and uncover future product and market opportunities.
- Develop and execute a strategic Territory and Account Plan to maximize customer coverage and business growth.
- Maintain an active sales pipeline within the company's CRM system, tracking opportunities, projects, and sales forecasts.
- Prepare and deliver professional sales presentations highlighting products, capabilities, and value-added solutions.
- Develop a strong understanding of customer applications, operational challenges, and business needs to recommend customized industrial solutions.
- Utilize a value-selling approach to differentiate products and services from competitive offerings.
- Identify, document, and follow up on sales leads and new business opportunities.
- Prepare pricing recommendations, quotations, and sales proposals as needed.
- Coordinate with internal departments to resolve customer concerns, product issues, and returns while ensuring proper documentation and follow-up.
- Participate in customer meetings, supplier events, trade shows, field sales meetings, and industry conferences as required.
- Provide market intelligence, competitive insights, and customer feedback to support strategic planning and business growth.
- Travel up to 50% throughout the assigned territory.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 5 years of successful industrial sales experience required.
- Experience selling through or supporting industrial distribution channels required.
- Proven experience building relationships with OEMs, contractors, industrial customers, municipalities, engineering consultants, or similar customer segments.
- Demonstrated success achieving or exceeding sales goals using a consultative, value-based selling approach.
- Strong business development, account management, and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Professional demeanor with excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain composed and effective in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
- Proven ability to develop, manage, and maintain a healthy sales pipeline.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% within the assigned territory.