Regional Sales Director

Walter Surface Technologies; Illinois; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in surface treatment technologies is seeking a Regional Sales Director to oversee sales in the American Heartland. The ideal candidate will have extensive field experience, a Bachelor’s degree, and a proven track record of managing sales teams. This role involves developing sales strategies, coaching team members, and maintaining strong relationships with distributors and key accounts. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and a hunter mentality, with travel availability of up to 50%. This is a full-time position based in the Midwest, preferably near Chicago.

Qualifications

• 10 years of field sales experience in a relevant industry.
• Proven success managing a geographically diverse sales force.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing or equivalent.
• Proven success managing and supervising a geographically diverse sales force.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic account strategies and tactics throughout the region.
• Develop sales performance goals for the regional sales team.
• Conduct coaching and training of the sales team on-site.
• Lead large regional sales opportunities and presentations.
• Manage regional budgets for expenses effectively.
• Maintain relationships with strategic accounts and key end-users.

Skills

Hunter mentality

Time/territory management

Written and verbal communication

Microsoft Office

CRM database

Motivation and inspiration

Ability to multi-task

Interpersonal skills

Product demonstration

Salesforce experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or Marketing

10 years field sales experience

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Walter Surface Technologies

Reports To: President Sales USA

For over 70 years, Walter Surface Technologies has been a global leader in surface treatment technologies delivering high performance abrasives, tooling, power tools, chemical solutions and welding process solutions specifically designed for the metal working industry. Our core philosophy is centered on helping customers work better and providing “only the best” – the best technology, the best products, the best performance, the best in safety and the best in sustainability – all geared toward increasing their productivity and profitability.

This position will be overseeing the regions of the American Heartland (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin & Illinois).

Ideal location for this candidate is Mid-West with a preference nearby Chicago, Illinois.

Job Summary

Reporting to the President Sales USA the Regional Sales Director develops and oversees the sales function of an entire region within a specific geographical sales area. Responsible for leading, mentoring and coaching the Metalworking Specialists to develop sales plans with targets, to achieve sales budgets and to maximize sales volume.

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively work with President Sales USA to drive key strategic account strategies, tactics, and engagement strategies throughout the region.
• Meet or exceed annual sales budget for the region.
• Develop annual sales and performance goals for each member of the regional sales team and lead team to perform to goal.
• In field coaching and training of sales team (50%-75% of time).
• Lead the sales cycle at the largest regional opportunities.
• Secure and lead major distributor presentations, trainings, and planning sessions.
• Hold weekly one-on-one sessions with each sales team member to review performance to goal, to provide coaching, and to address areas for improvement.
• Participate in monthly Regional Sales meetings and annual 2-day Road Show meeting.
• Effectively manage regional expense budgets including T&E and fuel.
• Develop and maintain relationships with distributor principals, strategic accounts, and key influential end-users.
• Instruct team in and support the use of Salesforce.com and direct and monitor sales accountability based upon sales performance within the region.
• Regular and dependable attendance in line with company business hours and policy is an essential requirement of this position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have a “hunter” mentality and a passion to succeed.
• Understand the two-step distribution process.
• Must have excellent time/territory management skills.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate including Microsoft Office and CRM database.
• Desire to motivate and inspire.
• Able to travel cost effectively within the designated geographical sales region as much as 50% of the time.
• Understanding of metal working, metal fabrication & industrial manufacturing.
• In depth knowledge of all appropriate sales channels including welding, safety, construction, industrial, and STAFDA.
• Ability to handle a high volume, fast-paced environment and maintain composure.
• Strong ability to multi-task.
• Exceptional interpersonal and organization skills.
• A positive “can do” attitude.
• Hands‑on (ability to demonstrate products on sales calls)
• Experience using Salesforce.
• Ability to think quickly on your feet.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing or equivalent.
• 10 years field sales experience in a relevant industry.
• Proven success managing and supervising a geographically diverse sales force.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Sales, Management, and Business Development