Regional Sales Manager

Overview

First Supply, a fifth-generation family-owned company, has served the Upper Midwest for over 125 years. Guided by our Employee Value Proposition,  Where Tradition Meets Innovation , we foster a workplace where people learn, grow, and contribute to a company that values its heritage while embracing progress. Our teams take pride in supporting customers and communities, creating meaningful work and rewarding careers every day.

The Regional Sales Manager works within a defined geographic territory, building strong relationships with existing commercial customers, developing new commercial markets and managing regional sales activities. The Manager is responsible for achieving regional sales goals by directing the sales force and developing sales plans to achieve sales and gross profit levels that have been budgeted.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the strategies, programs and implementation of both inside and outside selling activities
• Implement approved sales compensation strategies and programs, including commission plans that align the company’s sales compensation efforts with our strategic plan
• Develop and generate sales revenue through directing, coaching, training and assisting sales staff
• Communicates with existing customer base on a consistent basis to: (1) monitor customer satisfaction; (2) resolve customer problems and concerns; and (3) monitor competitive position Develops sales plans (Plan of Action) and strategies to penetrate new markets and increase market share and profitability of territory. Provides written updates on a monthly basis
• Develops long-lasting business relationships with key customers and industry influences to support First Supply’s market position
• Works with staff to ensure accurate forecasting of sales
• Meets or exceeds assigned budgeted sales and gross profit initiatives for the region
• Collaborates with Marketing and Corporate Sales Managers to develop and provide product marketing material and programs that are effective and profitable
• Works with the Marketing Department in design, layout and production of promotional materials
• Represents company and analyzes industry trade shows and meetings to: (1) promote products and services; (2) increase market and competitive knowledge; and (3) identify new products for distribution or development
• Reads industry publications to keep abreast of industry, customer and competitor news; shares articles of interest with the organization
• Analyzes and controls expenditures to conform to budgetary requirements
• Participates in the resolution of customer billing or collection problems
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with First Supply’s policies and applicable laws
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems
• Keeps management up-to-date on market conditions and competitive situations. Make suggestions and proposals for ways to improve effectiveness
• Maintain skill knowledge by attending educational workshops or classes; reviewing related publications, etc. as needed for position
• Provide a high level of sales professionalism while achieving a superior degree of customer satisfaction
• Create an action-based culture of continuous improvement and accountability
• Promote consistency of sales practices within the organization
• Maintain high technical knowledge of products
• Advise on the selection, retention and deletion of products in the company lines
• Assist in disposing of surplus and obsolete stock
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned by the General Manager

Qualifications

• 5+ years of sales management experience
• 5+ years of sales experience in one or more of the following products: plumbing, HVAC, PVF, fluid handling, waterworks
• Demonstrated ability to achieve sales goals
• Familiarity with e-commerce sales desired
• Wholesale distribution experience preferred
• Ability to travel regionally (50%+) without restriction
• Proficiency with ERP systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strategic and tactical mindset
• Self-motivated with an extremely high sense of urgency, personal energy and stamina
• High level of personal integrity
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to influence, inspire and motivate others
• Ability to travel on a limited basis within the U.S.

About First Supply

First Supply® is a leading main channel wholesale distributor providing industrial customers and building contractors with an extensive line of products and services. First Supply features manufacturer product lines in the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, builder, waterworks, pump/well & septic, industrial and municipal markets. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, First Supply has more than 700 employees in 29 operating facilities serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan UP. The company has over $100 million in inventory and over $400 million in annual sales.

First Supply also owns and operates 18 Kitchen & Bath Stores in 5 midwestern states under the Gerhard's Kitchen & Bath and Kohler Signature Store brands. Gerhard's is the largest, most versatile kitchen & bath store in the upper Midwest. We offer a huge variety of kitchen and bath choices from contemporary to traditional styles, along with service you won't find anywhere else. The Kohler Signature Stores are a kitchen and bath showroom that provides a distinguished Kohler experience where designers and homeowners can get hands on with hundreds of products, exclusively from the Kohler brands!

First Supply LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.