Inside Sales Manager

Populus Recruiting; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Populus Recruiting is seeking an Inside Sales Manager for a Kansas-based consumer products company. You will lead the Inside Sales team, drive revenue growth, and coordinate cross-selling initiatives with external reps while strengthening key customer partnerships.

The role blends strategic planning with hands-on execution, shaping brand strategy, pricing, and account priorities to expand distribution and increase account penetration across the portfolio. Office-based in Kansas City.

Qualifications

• Experience in inside sales, account management, or sales operations.
• Demonstrated team leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM or sales tracking tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Inside Sales team with clear expectations and priorities.
• Manage day-to-day inside sales operations and customer engagement activities.
• Track and manage KPIs for inside sales performance.
• Help grow distribution and strengthen key customer partnerships across channels.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support account success.

Skills

Inside sales experience

Team leadership

Relationship building

Communication skills

CRM proficiency

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is Kansas-based lifestyle consumer products company specializing in distinctive home décor, wall art, and gift collections that celebrate Americana and pop culture. Partnering with the world's top entertainment, sports, and lifestyle licensors - and creating original artistry of our own - the products are found in leading national retailers and specialty stores across the country, with domestic manufacturing and fulfillment proudly based in Wichita.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Inside Sales Manager leads the Inside Sales team and inside sales operations, driving revenue growth. This role combines team leadership, relationship management, and operational coordination to align cross-selling initiatives, support external sales representatives, and strengthen key customer partnerships.

The position balances strategic planning with hands-on execution, ensuring brand strategy, pricing structure, and account priorities are consistently supported. The Inside Sales Manager plays a critical role in expanding distribution, increasing account penetration, and driving overall sales performance across both entities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, coach, and develop the Inside Sales team, setting clear expectations, priorities, and accountability.
• Manage day-to-day inside sales operations and customer engagement activities.
• Track, develop, and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for inside sales performance.
• Continue developing the inside sales structure, processes, and best practices as the team grows.

Account & Relationship Management

• Manage a portfolio of key customer accounts, supporting growth, new store expansion, and ongoing account performance.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships to support retention and revenue growth.
• Support and coordinate efforts with external sales representatives to ensure brand alignment and account focus.

Cross-Selling & Brand Alignment

• Drive cross-selling initiatives
• Align sales execution with brand strategy, pricing structure, and account priorities.

Trade Shows & Market Execution

• Coordinate trade show planning, execution, and follow-up activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams - Product, Operations, Marketing, and Finance - to support account success.
• Identify opportunities to improve sales processes, communication, and account support strategies.
• Provide performance feedback, reporting, and insights to sales leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Experience in inside sales, account management, or sales operations.
• Demonstrated team leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM or sales tracking tools.

Preferred

• Commercial acumen, including an understanding of pricing, margin, and brand strategy.
• Experience supporting or working with independent/external sales representative networks.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Relationship Building & Account Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication & Influence
• Process Improvement

SUCCESS MEASURES

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Revenue growth and account penetration across assigned key accounts.
• Cross-sell performance
• Inside sales KPI attainment (quotes, orders, response times, conversion).
• Customer retention and account health across the portfolio.
• Trade show execution and post-show follow-up completion.
• Inside Sales team engagement, development, and performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an office-based position with routine use of standard office equipment. The role requires the ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods, with occasional travel for trade shows, customer meetings, and company events. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.