Senior Sales Director - Home Center, Hardware & Farm Channels

About WGB Group and Role Overview

WGB Group is a premier manufacturers' rep agency focusing on the Home Center, Hardware, and Farm sectors. We collaborate with manufacturers to expand market presence by fostering strategic retail partnerships, executing category strategies, and providing exemplary account management. We are searching for an energetic Sales Manager to spearhead WGB's operations within these key retail channels. This person will act as the chief intermediary between manufacturers and retailers, creating growth plans, spotting new opportunities, and driving execution across diverse product lines. This role suits organized, analytical professionals who thrive managing multiple accounts in dynamic environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead retail sales efforts for Midwest retailers across assigned manufacturer partners.
• Create and implement annual account plans emphasizing distribution enhancement, product assortment growth, promotional strategies, pricing optimization, and overall profitability.
• Develop and maintain strong connections with retailer merchants, category managers, division heads, and stakeholders.
• Discover chances for new product introductions, seasonal programming, line reviews, and category expansion.
• Organize and conduct retailer line reviews, business and category presentations, and executive meetings.
• Function as a strategic partner for assigned manufacturers by crafting annual plans aligned with their goals.
• Keep manufacturers informed on retailer performance, competitor activity, category trends, and growth prospects.
• Oversee new product launches, promotional events, and merchandising initiatives.
• Provide actionable guidance leveraging point-of-sale data, retailer insights, and market intelligence.
• Pinpoint incremental distribution opportunities and lead profitable sales growth efforts.
• Plan promotional calendars and initiatives targeting increased market share.
• Monitor competitor products, pricing, assortments, and identify emerging trends.
• Collaborate with retailer and manufacturer teams to address challenges and implement growth plans.
• Engage in new business pitches and assist in acquiring new manufacturer partners.
• Work closely with WGB’s internal Account Coordinators, Sales Support, Analytics, and Leadership to ensure seamless operations.
• Manage retailer portal activities, promotions submissions, product data maintenance, and operational procedures.
• Support forecasting, inventory planning, and new product setups.
• Assist with trade show arrangements, customer events, and meetings with retailers.
• Represent WGB at industry meetings, trade shows, and retailer or manufacturer gatherings.
• Stay informed on Home Center, Hardware, and Farm industry developments.
• Forge widespread relationships within retail and manufacturing sectors to position WGB as a trusted partner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional/business experience.
• 7 to 10 years of experience in sales, account management, or category management.
• Preference for candidates with experience in Ace Hardware or related Home Center, Hardware, or Farm & Fleet retailers.
• Proven success in building customer relationships and driving profitable revenue growth.
• Strong analytical capabilities with experience interpreting sales data, POS metrics, promotions, and category trends.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with retailer portals and syndicated data is advantageous.
• Willingness to undertake frequent travel to retailers' headquarters, manufacturer sites, and industry events.

Preferred Experience

• Background supporting Home Center, Hardware, and Farm retail channels.
• Knowledge of retailer merchandising workflows including line reviews, promotional planning, and category management.
• Experience with manufacturers, sales agencies, or retailers within the consumer products industry.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive base pay commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based annual incentive program.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off including vacation and company holidays.
• Life and disability insurance plans.
• Parental leave options including maternity and paternity benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Reimbursement for business travel expenses.
• Remote work setup based in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan area with travel requirements.

Why Choose WGB?

WGB prides itself on being an extension of its manufacturers’ teams, delivering superior collaboration and deep retailer connections within the Home Center, Hardware, and Farm & Fleet sectors. As a Sales Manager, you will engage directly with top-tier retailers, influence category expansion, and contribute significantly to our clients’ success and WGB’s growth trajectory.