Sales Manager (Greater Chicago Area)

The Opportunity

John Charles Search are proud to be representing a market leader of specialist material handling equipment and warehouse solutions.

Our client is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to lead, develop and mentor a team of 8 sales representatives, while maintaining a strong commercial focus and contributing directly to revenue growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys developing people, building high-performing teams and creating a culture of accountability, while also leading from the front commercially. You will play a key role in coaching and mentoring the sales team, helping individuals maximise their potential and supporting the wider business in achieving its growth ambitions.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($120k - $150k) + uncapped commission (OTE $250k+)
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off + holidays

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, mentor and develop a team of 8 sales representatives, creating a high-performing and collaborative sales culture
• Provide regular coaching, feedback and development to support individual and team performance
• Set clear objectives and hold the team accountable for achieving and exceeding revenue targets
• Identify strengths, development areas and career opportunities within the team, helping sales representatives reach their full potential
• Lead from the front by delivering personal revenue through new business development and existing account growth
• Develop and execute regional sales strategies aligned with wider business objectives
• Build strong, long-term customer relationships across the warehousing, logistics and industrial sectors
• Maintain oversight of sales pipelines, forecasting, KPIs and overall team performance
• Support recruitment, onboarding and ongoing development of sales talent
• Work closely with operations and service teams to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and successful delivery
• Champion best practice across the sales team, sharing knowledge, experience and successful sales approaches

What We’re Looking For

• Proven B2B sales experience, ideally within material handling, industrial equipment or a related sector ( essential)
• Previous experience leading, managing, coaching or mentoring a sales team
• A strong track record of consistently achieving and exceeding revenue targets
• A genuine passion for developing people and building high-performing sales teams
• A hands-on leadership style, with the ability to lead from the front while empowering others
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to translate strategy into measurable results
• Excellent communication, coaching, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• A natural leader who can motivate, challenge and support a team to achieve its full potential

*Please note, any applications without any leadership experience or related industry experience will not be considered*

Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates. If you have not heard from us within three weeks, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.