Northern Illinois Territory Sales Manager

Description:

General sales and account manager position responsible for ensuring consistent, profitable growth in sales and revenues. Works in conjunction with other members of the sales and contracting departments to generate revenue and provides direction in its objective of securing ecological restoration/stewardship contracts while ensuring complete customer satisfaction and retention for long-term sustainable growth. This position is best suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment, can effectively manage multiple projects and client needs simultaneously, and is motivated by achieving measurable sales goals. We create, restore and manage natural ecosystems for our public and private clients. You are going to be rewarded by seeing nature in action every day. Increasing your passion for nature and its care will engage our clients.

Hours:

Full Time Salary (exempt). The normal work schedule for all employees is 8 to 10 hours a day, Monday through Friday and occasionally Saturday and/or Sunday.

Travel:

Moderate, based upon project and/or client locations in the Illinois area and may require occasional overnight stays near client locations.

Territory Sales Professional Responsibilities:
• Identify, qualify, estimate, and close ecological restoration, stewardship, invasive species management, prescribed fire, and related projects.
• Conduct site walks and client discovery meetings to assess project opportunities.
• Prepare and present proposals, pricing, contracts, and project recommendations to clients.
• Collaborate with operations and leadership teams to develop accurate scopes and proposals.
• Develop and maintain a healthy sales pipeline through prospecting, referrals, networking, events, repeat clients, and strategic partnerships.
• Maintain ongoing communication with clients to ensure satisfaction, identify additional opportunities, and support long-term account growth.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of opportunities, proposals, activities, and customer details within company CRM systems.
• Manages key client relationships and works to build new ones.
• Develops and builds relationships with internal team members and clients.
• Expands market presence and brand awareness within the assigned territory.
• Develops and strengthens internal and external relationships that will lead to increased lead generation and market share.
• Be a part of cross-functional teams to guide and nourish sustainable, long-term growth.
• Tracks emerging markets and trends.
• Fosters and works to maintain an entrepreneurial growth culture across all teams and work functions.
• Proposes and develops strategic partnerships.
• Identifies sponsorship/exposure opportunities, including nonprofit engagement.
• Conducts webinars and presentations to raise the brand or product profile.
• Fulfills requests for proposals (RFPs) from potential partners and customers.
• Participate in marketing events (tradeshows, conferences, exhibitions, golf outings, etc.), networking events, association activities and/or professional development functions
• Participate in speaking, presentation and/or public teaching opportunities

Qualifications/Skills:
• Required - Previous Sales Experience
• Required - Previous Ecology Experience
• Working knowledge of ecological restoration methods, native plant communities, invasive species management, and land stewardship practices.
• Understanding of construction/restoration equipment and field operations, including production capabilities and site limitations to accurately estimate.
• Ability to assess site access, equipment needs, labor requirements, and logistical considerations during project development.
• Required - Previous Account Management Experience
• Relationship management
• Strategic planning skills
• Knowledge of product and sector
• Financial and business acumen
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Ability to communicate accessibly and concisely about products or service to outsiders, including prospective customers, partners, and the C-suite.
• Effective organizational skills
• Negotiation skills

Expected Work Conditions:

Work may be performed indoors or outdoors throughout the year and may yield exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid or windy conditions caused by the weather; exposure to non-weather related extreme temperatures or conditions; exposure to wildfire; exposure to overhead or falling hazards such as tree branches in a woodland; exposure to poisonous plants and/or wildlife; contact with water or other liquids; exposure to loud and/or extended noises; exposure to fumes, smoke, noxious odors, dusts, mists, gases and allergens that may affect the respiratory system, eyes or the skin; and possible exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals. Work may be performed in or near bodies of water, on rough terrain, on or near steep slopes. Work may require working with or around sharp objects, machinery with moving parts and/or vehicles.

Safety:

As an employee, you have a legal right to a safe and healthy workplace. At Pizzo, we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. You are expected to read all workplace safety and health posters and fully comply with applicable OSHA and Illinois safety regulations. All employees must follow established safety rules and procedures and properly wear or use required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. You are required to immediately report any hazardous conditions, job-related injuries, illnesses, or near-miss incidents to your supervisor. You may also be asked to participate on our Health and Safety Committee, provide on-site safety guidance, or render first aid when needed. At Pizzo, safety is a shared responsibility. Each of us plays a vital role in ensuring that every team member returns home safely to their family every day.

Compensation:
• Competitive salary plus bonus opportunities
• Company vehicle allowance and expense reimbursement