Director, Sales

Overview:

The Director of Sales is a strategic leadership role responsible for the creation, implementation, and execution of the sales strategy for the company. This role will oversee the sales team, develop, and implement the go to market sales strategy, manage key accounts, and drive profitable revenue growth. The Director of Sales plays a critical role in expanding the company's market presence, building strong customer relationships, and maximizing revenue generation. In this role, the Director of Sales will work closely with other senior executives to align sales efforts with the overall business objectives. This position can be located in Madison/Milwaukee/Fox Valley/La Crosse, WI or Minneapolis, MN. Workplace Type: Hybrid

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Planning:

Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies to achieve business goals and objectives.
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align sales strategies with overall business plans.
• Create and manage sales budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Ensure the compensation plan aligns with the growth and profitability strategy

Sales Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the sales team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Set clear objectives and KPIs for the sales team, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Recruit, train, and develop top sales talent to build a strong and effective sales force, addressing skill gaps through training and development initiatives.

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including expanding into new markets and segments.
• Drive sales initiatives to achieve and exceed revenue targets and profitability goals.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance metrics, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize results.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key customers and partners.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by addressing customer needs and resolving issues promptly.
• Implement CRM systems and processes to track customer interactions and sales activities.
• Develop and implement customer retention and loyalty programs.

Sales Operations:

• Oversee the development and implementation of effective sales processes, tools, and systems.
• Ensure accurate sales forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
• Collaborate with other departments, including marketing, operations, and finance, to ensure alignment of sales strategies with business objectives.

Market Expansion:

• Lead market research efforts to gather insights on emerging trends, customer preferences, and competitive activities.
• Drive initiatives to expand the company's market share and presence.

Essential Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience in a senior sales leadership role, preferably in wholesale distribution or a related industry.
• Strong track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets and driving business growth.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in sales software and CRM systems.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.

Personal Attributes:

• Results-oriented with a strong drive for achievement.
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of market dynamics.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking and sitting
• Frequent reaching, pulling and crouching
• Frequent talking and hearing
• Constant use of near and far vision
• Constant use of keyboard