Regional Sales Manager - Midwest (Chicago-Based)

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 an 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. 4+ 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr