Sales Manager- Independent Market (Housewares Industry)

As our business continues to grow, we are in search of passionate and talented candidates to join our Sales team.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sales Manager to lead and drive sales within the independent market of the housewares industry. The Sales Manager will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, and growing relationships with independent retailers, and sales representatives. This individual will also play a pivotal role in increasing market share, expanding the customer base, and maximizing revenue through effective sales strategies and collaboration with independent sales reps. As Sales Manager you will help to manage and represent the company at trade shows and events, ensuring the brand is showcased effectively to current and potential customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Market Strategy Development: Develop and implement sales strategies to penetrate and expand your sales within the independent market. Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities.
• Account Management: Manage relationships with independent retailers, and regional chains, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and continued business growth. Regularly visit key accounts to assess needs and promote new products.
• Sales Representative Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with independent sales representatives. Provide guidance, training, and support to ensure they are well-equipped to represent the company’s products and maximize sales within their territories.
• Sales Growth: Achieve sales targets and revenue goals by actively selling products, creating promotional plans, and ensuring optimal product placement in independent retail locations. Work closely with sales reps to ensure alignment with company objectives and strategies.
• Product Knowledge & Training: Become a product expert to help train and motivate sales reps to ensure they have the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles.
• New Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the independent market segment. Proactively seek out new potential clients and partnerships.
• Sales Forecasting & Reporting: Maintain accurate sales forecasts and provide regular reports on sales performance, customer feedback, market trends, and competitive activity. Monitor the performance of sales reps and provide feedback for improvement.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development and operations, to ensure the execution of sales plans and the effective promotion of products. Collaborate with sales reps to ensure clear communication and support.
• Trade Shows & Events: Represent the company at industry trade shows. Actively engage with potential and existing customers, showcasing the company’s products, and building relationships with key decision-makers in the independent retail space. Coordinate product displays, demonstrations, and promotional materials to ensure the brand stands out at events.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in sales, preferably in the housewares industry or a related consumer goods sector. Prior experience working with independent retailers, wholesalers, and sales representatives is highly desirable. Experience participating in or managing trade shows and industry events is preferred.
• Skills:
• Strong sales and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to identify customer needs and develop tailored solutions.
• Experience managing and motivating sales representatives to achieve targets.
• Self-motivated with a proven track record of achieving sales goals, comfortable with cold calling.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Benefits:

• Competitive pay, based on experience level
• Performance based generous bonuses and raises evaluated annually
• Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• 401k with matching policy
• Generous vacation policy
• Open kitchen stocked with snacks and gourmet freshly ground coffee

If you are passionate about sales, the housewares industry, building strong relationships with independent retailers and sales reps, and have trade show experience, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and be a part of driving growth in a thriving market segment.