FLSA Status: Exempt / Bonus Eligible
Reports To: Senior Director, Sales
Department: Sales
Location: Chicago, IL (Midwest Region)

Position Summary

The Regional Sales Manager – Midwest is responsible for driving sales growth, market expansion, and brand presence across a key strategic region, with a strong emphasis on the greater Chicago market.

This is a senior individual contributor role that owns regional performance, develops high-value customer relationships, and drives execution across both Trade and Industry Partner (IP) channels. The role requires a highly strategic, self-directed professional who can influence cross-functional partners, support independent representative agencies, and deliver results without direct people management responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Regional Strategy & Market Growth

Develop and execute a comprehensive regional sales strategy aligned with company objectives, with a targeted focus on Chicago and the broader Midwest market.
Drive revenue growth, market share expansion, and brand positioning within established cost-of-selling parameters.
Lead territory-level business planning, forecasting, and performance tracking.
Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, distribution expansion, and strategic partnerships.

Account Management & Relationship Development

Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, distributors, showroom leaders, and strategic partners across the region.
Establish executive-level connections within key Chicago-based customers to drive long-term growth.
Evaluate and support optimization of the regional distribution network to align with business objectives.
Serve as the primary escalation point for complex customer needs and strategic negotiations.

Influence & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with independent representative agencies and field sales partners to drive alignment and execution of regional strategies.
Act as a key liaison between the field and corporate teams, ensuring consistent communication and execution of initiatives.
Collaborate with Marketing, Product Management, and Operations to support product launches, campaigns, and regional initiatives.

Training, Merchandising & Brand Execution

Support and deliver product training to customers, partners, and representatives to strengthen brand knowledge and positioning.
Partner with Marketing to execute regional merchandising, promotional, and go-to-market strategies.
Ensure strong in-market execution of displays, brand standards, and customer experience.

Operational & Financial Management

Manage regional budget including travel, marketing investments, and cost of sales.
Maintain accurate CRM data, pipeline visibility, and reporting.
Provide regular sales forecasts, activity reports, and market insights to leadership.

Travel

60–70% domestic travel within the Midwest region, with a strong presence in Chicago.
Occasional international travel (1–2 trips annually).

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
7–10+ years of experience in regional sales within the plumbing, building products, or related industry.
Proven success driving growth through distribution channels and key account development.

Skills & Competencies

Strong strategic thinking and business acumen
Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills (without direct authority)
Advanced negotiation capabilities
Strong communication and presentation skills
High level of autonomy, accountability, and self-motivation
Analytical mindset with data-driven decision making
Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite

Core Competencies

Driving Results
Business Acumen
Influencing & Negotiation
Strategic Thinking
Customer Focus
Collaboration
Adaptability