Sales Manager

Position Summary

A growing chemical distribution company is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to work directly alongside ownership and play a key role in the future leadership of the organization. This is a succession-focused opportunity designed for a hands-on sales leader who understands chemical distribution, margin management, team development, and long-term business growth. The successful candidate will help lead a diverse sales organization consisting of senior sales professionals and developing sales representatives while preparing to assume broader leadership responsibilities within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner directly with company ownership to learn business operations, customer relationships, and growth strategies.
• Manage, coach, mentor, and develop junior sales representatives.
• Provide leadership, accountability, and day-to-day support across the sales organization.
• Monitor gross profit performance and maintain strong margin discipline.
• Evaluate pricing strategies, profitability, and deal structures to maximize business value.
• Drive customer retention, territory growth, and revenue expansion initiatives.
• Build strong relationships and credibility with both senior and junior sales team members.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and development of sales professionals.
• Analyze sales performance, pipeline activity, market trends, and customer opportunities.
• Assist leadership with strategic planning, growth initiatives, and market expansion efforts.
• Collaborate with operations, purchasing, and executive leadership teams.
• Travel throughout California to visit customers, sales representatives, and company locations as needed.
• Prepare for future leadership responsibilities overseeing broader sales operations.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of hands-on chemical distribution sales experience (required).
• Must currently reside within the State of California.
• Previous experience in:
  • Sales Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Sales Coaching
  • Sales Mentorship
• Strong knowledge of chemical distribution markets and customer relationships.
• Demonstrated experience managing profitability, margins, and pricing strategies.
• Proven success developing business and closing sales opportunities.
• Experience managing or supporting multiple sales representatives.
• Strong analytical, business, and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30% throughout California.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading both senior and junior sales teams.
• Existing customer relationships within:
  • Chemical Distribution
  • Industrial Markets
  • Manufacturing
  • Distribution Organizations
• Experience managing commission-based or incentive-driven sales organizations.
• Experience scaling territories, regions, or sales organizations.
• Strong understanding of sales performance metrics and pipeline management.

Certifications & Clearance

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP)
• Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL)
• Relevant Sales Management or Business Leadership Certifications