Strategic Sales Leader

STRATEGIC SALES LEADER

Location: Remote (U.S.) with regular travel

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE

St. Louis Music (SLM) is one of the nation's leading distributors of world-class musical instruments and accessories, from Alvarez guitars and the Recording King and The Loar fretted lines to Blessing band instruments, Knilling orchestral strings, P. Mauriat saxophones, and Dixon drums and percussion.

As we sharpen how we go to market, we are building a new specialized field sales organization and are looking for a Strategic Sales Leader to build and lead it. This is the senior leadership role at the center of that transformation.

You will stand up two focused sales teams, one for Combo and one for Band & Orchestra, supported by a shared Drums & Percussion specialist, and you will own the rollout. This is a rare opportunity to shape a sales organization from the ground up and lead it through execution.

This role is ideal for an experienced sales leader who is equally comfortable building strategy and rolling up their sleeves, someone who can win in the field, develop a team, and operate with the trust of senior leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Leadership & Strategy

• Own SLM's sales strategy across segments, translating goals into clear plans and targets
• Lead the rollout of the new two-team specialist structure, sequencing hires and coverage so the transition strengthens, never disrupts, dealer relationships
• Set and manage goals for each territory and hold the sales team accountable
• Partner with senior leadership, brand managers, and marketing to align sales execution with brand strategy and new product launches

Team Building & Development

• Recruit, hire, and onboard territory reps and business development managers
• Coach, mentor, and develop the sales team, building a culture of accountability, product expertise, and dealer-first service
• Lead, support, and set direction for the Business Development Managers
• Establish an onboarding, training, and performance-management rhythm for the sales team

Dealer & Channel Growth

• Drive dealer acquisition and sell-through across the U.S., with particular focus on under-penetrated regions and product lines
• Own and grow strategic national accounts, partnering with BDMs on key relationships and negotiations
• Represent SLM and its brands with dealers, at trade shows, and at industry events as a senior ambassador for the company
• Gather and act on market intelligence, including competition, pricing, and trends, to keep SLM ahead

Execution & Operations

• Establish disciplined pipeline management, forecasting, and reporting through Salesforce
• Provide regular performance reporting and sales forecasts to senior leadership
• Manage the sales team's travel and expense budgets responsibly

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Must-Haves

• Proven success leading and growing an outside/field B2B sales organization, ideally in wholesale distribution or the music products industry
• Experience building or restructuring a sales team, including hiring, coaching, and developing both reps and managers
• Strong command of the retail landscape, including independent stores, chains, and eCommerce channels
• Track record of setting and achieving revenue, margin, and coverage targets
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on in the field
• Willingness and ability to travel across the U.S., with frequent visits to our St. Louis headquarters
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint

Nice-to-Haves

• Genuine passion for music and familiarity with musical instruments; playing is a plus
• Existing relationships within the music retail or musical instrument distribution market
• Familiarity with industry trade shows such as The NAMM Show, TMEA, and The Midwest Clinic

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Several years of progressive B2B sales experience, including sales management or leadership experience (music products or wholesale distribution preferred)

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

This is the role that brings our new sales strategy to life. SLM's dealers rely on us not only for exceptional instruments, but for sales partners who understand their business and show up with real expertise.

By building focused sales teams and leading them well, the Strategic Sales Leader will close long-standing coverage gaps, deepen our dealer partnerships, and lay the foundation for the next era of SLM's growth.

The right person will be both a builder and a leader, someone who wants to shape an organization, develop great people, and be measured by the lasting difference they make.