Position Summary:
A growing chemical distribution company is seeking a Sales Manager to
work directly alongside ownership with the long-term goal of
eventually leading the sales organization. This is not a traditional
corporate sales management role focused only on reporting and
administration — the company wants someone who can lead from the
front, earn the respect of sales reps, understand margins and
profitability, and help drive long-term business growth. The current
team consists of 5-7 senior sales representatives who operate
independently and 12 junior sales representatives requiring coaching,
accountability, and day-to-day management. This role is designed as a
succession-focused leadership opportunity with direct mentorship and
training under ownership during the first year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work directly with ownership to learn the business, customers, and
sales strategy
- Manage, coach, and develop junior sales representatives
- Support accountability, activity management, and sales execution
across the team
- Monitor gross profit performance and maintain strong margin discipline
- Help drive territory growth and customer retention
- Review pricing, profitability, and deal structure with a margin-first mindset
- Build trust and credibility with both senior and junior sales reps
- Support hiring, onboarding, and development of future sales talent
- Analyze sales performance, trends, and pipeline activity
- Assist with strategic growth planning and expansion opportunities
- Work cross-functionally with operations, purchasing, and leadership teams
- Eventually transition into broader leadership responsibility over
the sales organization
Required Qualifications:
- 5-10 years of experience within chemical distribution sales
- Previous experience in sales leadership, team management, or mentorship
- Strong understanding of margin management and profitability
- Proven ability to develop customer relationships and close business
- Strong analytical and numerical skills
- Experience managing or supporting multiple sales reps
- Based in California or open to relocation to California
Strong Plus:
- Experience leading both senior and junior sales teams
- Existing relationships within industrial, chemical, manufacturing,
or distribution markets
- Experience managing compensation or incentive-driven sales teams
- Experience scaling territories or sales organizations
Nice to Have:
- Background in specialty chemicals, industrial chemicals, or related
distribution sectors
- Experience working in entrepreneurial or privately owned companies
- Exposure to GP-focused sales environments
Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- 5-10 years of experience within chemical distribution sales
- Previous experience in sales leadership, team management, or mentorship
Work Location: Remote
