Director of Sales Industrial and Trade Channel

The Director of Sales Industrial and Trade Channel position is strategic in the execution of the field sales strategy. This position leads a team of regional Sales Managers, Key Account or National Sales Managers, and independent manufacturer rep agencies to develop sales in an assigned geographic area, corporate accounts, and specific channels of distribution. The Director of Sales will train, develop, and motivate the team to forge relationships with our distribution network, direct independent sales representatives, and establish strategic partnerships with major accounts. This individual works closely with KNIPEX Tools LP (KTLP) management and all support departments. This position requires 65%+ travel throughout North America to develop the sales team and periodic travel to trade shows and company headquarters.

Position Overview The Director of Sales leads an internal and external sales team while meeting KNIPEX Tools LP (KTLP) assigned financial objectives. Establishes plans and strategies to meet and exceed assigned financial objectives relevant to Industrial and Trade channels while acting in best interests for total KTLP. Directs field sales strategy through supervision of internal managers and external manufacturer rep agencies. Responsible for channel development and profitable sales growth and overall high-performance results within Industrial and Trade Distribution. Acts as a main contact between KTLP and industry buying and marketing groups. Position Responsibilities Directs all aspects of sales strategy execution within assigned channels of distribution. Identifies any operational issues that might arise and resolves them with the appropriate internal teams. Meets and exceeds annual sales budget for the total channel, including individually assigned distributor customers. Develops annual promotional plans focusing on key product categories and new products. Meets and exceeds gross margin goals. Develops a business plan to identify and acquire new account growth opportunities. Prepares and presents effective sales presentations for both existing and prospective customers. Maintains positive key customer relationships within the channel as well as with personally assigned distributors by providing timely, responsive, and accurate account support. Responsible for formulating and implementing relevant account pricing strategies, within KTLPs financial and sales goals. Develops and maintains a fully documented sales process for all accounts assigned to the channel. Originates sales techniques to penetrate markets and combat competitive initiatives. Participates in the planning, attendance, and successful management of KTLPs national and regional trade shows and industry conventions. Develops new product suggestions and applications from the trade channel and work with KTLP management for review. Partners with VP of Sales/Customer Service to identify and implement sales process improvement for his or her team. Responsible for hiring, training, motivating, and developing a high-performance field sales team. Miscellaneous duties as assigned. Position Requirements Knowledge Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience. 7-10 years of successful experience in sales management, specifically leading a team of direct report internal sales managers and independent manufacturer rep agencies. Strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and sales processes. Proven leadership and ability to drive sales teams, with prior direct report supervisory experience required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products; specifically Excel. Strong business acumen and basic knowledge of business finance. 3-5 years of relevant industrial/MRO or electrical industry sales experience is a strong plus. SAP or other comparable ERP proficiency, and Salesforce.com CRM experience a strong plus. Skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Detail oriented with strong problem-solving skills. Excellent consultative selling skills and abilities to present well to varied audiences. Superior product demonstration skills with the proven ability to train others. Ability to plan and manage at both strategic and operational levels. Ability to work under deadline pressure. Ability to assess sales and business results. Time management and organizational skills. Excellent follow up. Ability and confidence to communicate at all levels, internally and externally in a professional manner by phone, email and face to face contact. Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams and lead effective field sales teams. Personal Attributes Willingness to travel 65%+ and work in a global team of professionals. Must have a valid passport as international travel may be required. Must have a valid US Drivers license and reliable transportation. Sense of urgency mindset with an assertive lets get it done attitude. Energetic, dynamic, and friendly personality. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with teams. Results oriented, self-motivated, and has the ability to meet all deadlines. Customer oriented. Ability to work occasional weekends to attend tradeshows or other work-related events. Physical Demands and Work Environment Position requires periodic walking, stooping, bending, and reaching required. Ability to push, pull, grasp required. Continuous standing or sitting for several hours a day. Some heavy lifting may be required, up to 40 lbs (utilizing safe lifting techniques, assisted lifting, and/or team lifts). Continuous keyboard and screen usage for several hours a day. Regular, reliable and predictable attendance necessary. Company Values Knowledge: Improvement is GREAT. Change is GREAT. Wanting to be better is GREAT. Innovate; take initiative and be curious. Learn from mistakes. Continue to develop our skills; challenge ourselves and others to achieve possibilities. Teamwork: First and foremost, we are a team. Our competition is outside these walls. We are all role models and lead by good example. Our cooperation and communication is characterized by kindness, openness, honesty, and valuing each others contributions. Loyalty: Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and ownership not just through words, but through actions. Keep commitments; say what you will do, and do what you say. Trust each other and continue to earn that trust every day. Passion: Strive to achieve consistently superior quality, service, performance, productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. Take pride in our product, our company, and our people. Embrace sustainable initiatives and give back to the community.

The annualized base salary for this position is: $140K - $170K. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. We have other benefits associated with this position which include: Bonus eligibility, medical, dental, and vision insurance, company funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plan (HRA), generous paid time off, 401K, etc. For more detailed information on our complete benefit package, seehttps://www.knipex-tools.com/company/careers #J-18808-Ljbffr