Regional Sales Manager - Midwest (Chicago-Based)

FLSA Status: Exempt / Bonus EligibleReports To: Senior Director, SalesDepartment: SalesLocation: Chicago, IL (Midwest Region)Position SummaryThe Regional Sales Manager - Midwest is responsible for driving sales growth, market expansion, and brand presence across a key strategic region, with a strong emphasis on the greater Chicago market.This is a senior individual contributor role that owns regional performance, develops high-value customer relationships, and drives execution across both Trade and Industry Partner (IP) channels. The role requires a highly strategic, self-directed professional who can influence cross-functional partners, support independent representative agencies, and deliver results without direct people management responsibility.Key ResponsibilitiesRegional Strategy & Market GrowthDevelop and execute a comprehensive regional sales strategy aligned with company objectives, with a targeted focus on Chicago and the broader Midwest market.Drive revenue growth, market share expansion, and brand positioning within established cost-of-selling parameters.Lead territory-level business planning, forecasting, and performance tracking.Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, distribution expansion, and strategic partnerships.Account Management & Relationship DevelopmentBuild and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, distributors, showroom leaders, and strategic partners across the region.Establish executive-level connections within key Chicago-based customers to drive long-term growth.Evaluate and support optimization of the regional distribution network to align with business objectives.Serve as the primary escalation point for complex customer needs and strategic negotiations.Influence & Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with independent representative agencies and field sales partners to drive alignment and execution of regional strategies.Act as a key liaison between the field and corporate teams, ensuring consistent communication and execution of initiatives.Collaborate with Marketing, Product Management, and Operations to support product launches, campaigns, and regional initiatives.Training, Merchandising & Brand ExecutionSupport and deliver product training to customers, partners, and representatives to strengthen brand knowledge and positioning.Partner with Marketing to execute regional merchandising, promotional, and go-to-market strategies.Ensure strong in-market execution of displays, brand standards, and customer experience.Operational & Financial ManagementManage regional budget including travel, marketing investments, and cost of sales.Maintain accurate CRM data, pipeline visibility, and reporting.Provide regular sales forecasts, activity reports, and market insights to leadership.Travel60-70% domestic travel within the Midwest region, with a strong presence in Chicago.Occasional international travel (1-2 trips annually).QualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.7-10+ years of experience in regional sales within the plumbing, building products, or related industry.Proven success driving growth through distribution channels and key account development.Skills & CompetenciesStrong strategic thinking and business acumenExcellent relationship-building and influencing skills (without direct authority)Advanced negotiation capabilitiesStrong communication and presentation skillsHigh level of autonomy, accountability, and self-motivationAnalytical mindset with data-driven decision makingProficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office SuiteCore CompetenciesDriving ResultsBusiness AcumenInfluencing & NegotiationStrategic ThinkingCustomer FocusCollaborationAdaptability