Commercial Territory Sales Manager - Automotive Refinish

PPG Industries; Alton (IL); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PPG Industries is seeking a Commercial Territory Manager for the Automotive Refinish team to drive profitable sales growth across Southern/Central Illinois. You will manage direct and distributor accounts, build strategic territory plans, train distributors, and leverage CRM and digital tools while traveling up to 50%.

A Bachelor's degree and ~5+ years in coatings sales, automotive refinish, or related industrial markets, plus a valid driver's license, are required to succeed in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years in commercial coatings sales, automotive refinish, or related industrial market
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow sales within a defined territory including direct accounts and distributor-managed accounts
• Serve as the primary representative for PPG Commercial Coatings in the assigned territory
• Prospect, qualify, and convert new leads for direct and distribution channels
• Develop and maintain a robust commercial sales distribution network
• Assess distributor capabilities and improve performance with training and support
• Lead opportunity cadence calls and joint customer visits with distributor reps
• Support and train PPG's digital tools at distribution and end-user customers
• Utilize CRM tools to strategize, track, and manage territory activities
• Deliver presentations and training sessions on products and value propositions
• Monitor competitive landscape to form sales strategies
• Travel up to 50% overnight to support activities

Skills

Sales development

Negotiation

Distributor partnerships

Customer engagement

Technical substrate prep knowledge

Paint application processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

Job description

As a Commercial Territory Manager (CTM) on PPG's Automotive Refinish team, you will guide profitable sales growth and strengthening customer relationships within a defined territory covering Southern/Central Illinois. You will focus on commercial refinish solutions, with an emphasis on fleet, industrial, and commercial vehicle refinishing applications, supporting customers who demand high‑performance coatings, technical expertise, and reliable partnership. Reporting directly to the Commercial Regional Manager, the CTM operates remotely and serves as the primary commercial contact for both direct customers and distributor partners. You will expand PPG's market share by building strategic territory plans, applying technical product knowledge, and delivering customer support aligned with the Automotive Refinish portfolio.

• Manage and grow sales within a defined territory, including existing direct accounts and distributor-managed accounts using a disciplined and defined approach.
• Serve as the primary representative and knowledge source for PPG Commercial Coatings in the assigned territory.
• Prospect, qualify, and convert new leads for both direct and distribution sales channels.
• Develop and maintain a robust commercial sales distribution network.
• Assess distributor capabilities and work to improve their performance through training and support collaboration with the sales team to review targets, develop strategies, and manage sales opportunities.
• Lead opportunity cadence calls and joint customer visits with distributors representatives to strengthen customer relationships and identify growth opportunities.
• Support and train PPG's digital tools at distribution and end user customers.
• Utilize CRM tools effectively to strategize, track, and manage territory activities.
• Deliver presentations and training sessions to distributors and end user customers on PPG products and value propositions.
• Monitor and understand the competitive landscape to form sales strategies.
• Manage and control an expense account responsibly.
• Demonstrate a proactive sales attitude with a focus on ethical decision‑making and customer satisfaction.
• Handle multiple sales opportunities at various stages of the sales process simultaneously.
• Coach and support sales partners to enhance their effectiveness.
• Commit to continuous learning and complete all required training on time.
• Travel as necessary, up to 50% overnight, to support sales activities and distributor engagement.

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• ~5+ years of progressive experience in commercial coatings sales, automotive refinish, or an adjacent industrial market.
• ~ Experience in sales development, negotiation, with the ability to establish engagement with prospects, customers, and distributor partners.
• ~ Hands‑on technical capabilities related to substrate preparation, painting processes and application
• ~ Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. We are customer champions

Everything we do starts with our customers. When our customers win, we all grow.

Agile. Data‑driven. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.

We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email .

PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.