Sales Manager

The Kendall Group, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kendall Group, Inc. is seeking a Sales Manager to guide the Outside Sales Team in Grand Rapids, MI. This role involves developing strategies to meet sales goals and managing Account Managers handling a range of products.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of selling experience in an industrial setting, a Bachelor's degree, and strong interpersonal and analytical skills. The position reports directly to the Director of Sales and offers an opportunity for significant professional growth.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ previous selling experience in an industrial or technical environment.
• Ability to learn new software and focus on customer outreach.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with a knack for multi-tasking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance metrics for improvement.
• Collaborate with various departments to enhance customer satisfaction.

Skills

Sales strategies development

Team management

Customer relationship management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office

CRM systems

Job description

Role Summary

Reporting to the Director of Sales, the Sales Manager is a key member of the Outside Sales Team. The Sales Manager will be responsible for leading and managing a team of Account Managers who handle all Galloup & Forberg Smith products supported by Specialists across all industries. The primary duties include setting sales goals, developing sales strategies, motivating and coaching the team, and collaborating with marketing, operations, and key vendors to ensure a smooth sales process.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
• Contribute strategic insights into product evaluation processes, identifying and recommending additions to the product portfolio as needed.
• Provide technical support, forecasting, planning, and implementation support across all geographies for Galloup, Forberg Smith, and Merlo.
• Primary leadership contact with key principals, vendors, and senior management within the Kendall Group.
• Work closely with GFSM management to unify go‑to‑market strategy.
• Model company values: Success Beyond the Sale, Partnership as a Promise, We Do What We Say, Legacy of Impact, and Purpose‑Driven Progress.
• Invest in self‑growth through continuous improvement, learning, and development.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Facilitate professional development of sales representatives using the CRM system and annual sales planning process.
• Support strategic company initiatives impacting field sales, including supplier partnership programs, sales promotions, e‑commerce, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and integrated solutions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key accounts.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure best‑in‑class customer service strategies, customer satisfaction, and retention.
• Conduct regular market research to understand customer preferences, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes.
• Prepare and present sales reports and forecasts for senior management.
• Attend sales and other company meetings as requested; may attend industry shows and conventions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Service Excellence
• Results
• Action Oriented
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Building Team Morale
• Managerial Courage
• Developing Talent
• Process Management
• Awareness of the Needs of Others
• Problem Solving
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Priority Setting

Qualifications

Work Experience: 5 years’ previous selling experience, preferably with a related product line or with end users in an industrial or technical environment.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of skills and experience.

Analytics/Computer Skills: Experience with MS Office; intermediate to advanced Excel; ability to learn new software and decide which products to focus on and how best to reach customers.

Organization Skills: Highly organized and detail‑oriented; ability to multi‑task and shift priorities as needed; ability to work in a fast‑paced, continuously evolving, and at times ambiguous environment.

Cross‑functional Skills: Ability to work well cross‑functionally; provides excellent internal and external customer service.

Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal communication, problem‑solving, organizational and written/verbal communication skills.

Physical, Mental and Visual Skills: Must be able to see, talk, and hear; sit for 8 hours a day; able to work in a normal office environment, warehouse, fabrication environment, and exposure to moving equipment.

Estimated Travel: 50% including overnight stays.

Driver’s License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: 5+ years’ selling experience, 2 years of management experience, and experience interfacing with or supporting a direct sales force.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Kendall Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.