Reports to: Vice President of Sales and Marketing
The Opportunity
Manufacturers Reserve Supply (MRS) is entering an exciting period of growth and geographic expansion. As we extend our sales footprint into new markets, we are seeking a strong Sales Manager to help build and lead the next phase of our outside sales organization. The territory will stretch from Maine to Baltimore-Washington respectively.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced sales leader to help develop new territories, build market presence, support the hiring and development of Territory Managers, and create the structure and strategy needed for long-term profitable growth. The Sales Manager will take ownership of the outside sales function, translating company goals into clear sales strategies, developing the capabilities of the team, and creating programs that grow revenue while protecting profitability.
The right person will operate with a high degree of independence, accountability, and ownership and will be equally comfortable coaching a developing salesperson, partnering with an experienced professional, or stepping into an important customer opportunity when needed.
Since 1931, MRS has built a strong reputation in the building materials industry. As an independent wholesale distributor, we represent leading manufacturers while providing the service, flexibility, and operational support that allow our sales team and customers to succeed.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership Transition
During the first year, the Sales Manager will directly manage newly hired Territory Managers through onboarding, field training, and development. As the new team members complete training and the leadership structure is established, the existing outside sales team will transition to reporting to the Sales Manager.
Lead Sales Strategy & Profitable Growth
- Develop and execute sales strategies that grow revenue, market share, gross profit, customer retention, and new business across the MRS territory.
- Identify market opportunities, competitive threats, underdeveloped accounts, and product-line opportunities and translate them into actionable sales plans and customer programs.
- Use customer, territory, product, pipeline, and margin data to establish priorities, allocate resources, and make commercially sound decisions that support long-term profitability.
Coach & Develop the Sales Team
- Spend approximately 50% of your time in the field with Territory Managers supporting customer meetings, prospecting, account planning, presentations, negotiations, and strategic opportunities.
- Provide practical coaching tailored to each salesperson’s experience level, strengthening skills in prospecting, relationship development, negotiation, product positioning, closing, and territory management.
- Establish clear expectations, accountability, performance standards, and development plans while creating a culture of preparation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and ownership.
Build & Manage the Sales Organization
- Lead the onboarding and development of newly hired Territory Managers and ultimately assume leadership responsibility for the full outside sales organization.
- Establish consistent processes for territory planning, pipeline management, CRM utilization, AI integration, opportunity follow-up, performance reporting, and account development.
- Partner with marketing, inside sales, purchasing, operations, logistics, finance, and vendor partners to ensure sales strategies are executable and customers receive an exceptional experience.
What We’re Looking For
- An assertive, credible sales leader who can influence customers, earn the respect of experienced sales professionals, and coach individuals with varying levels of experience.
- A strategic and creative thinker with strong commercial judgment who can identify opportunities, develop practical business solutions, and balance growth with profitability.
- A highly organized, self-directed leader with an ownership mentality who creates structure, follows through, holds people accountable, and works effectively with limited day-to-day supervision.
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven success in outside sales, business development, territory management, strategic account growth, and the leadership or development of sales professionals.
- Strong understanding of pricing, margins, negotiation, forecasting, pipeline management, CRM systems, and the financial drivers of profitable sales growth.
- Building materials, lumber, construction products, millwork, distribution, or a related industry background is strongly preferred, along with the ability to travel regularly throughout the MRS market.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to travel throughout the territory by car.
- Occasional overnight travel may be required but is limited.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation with performance-based incentive opportunities.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, car allowance, laptop, and phone.
- The opportunity to shape and lead a growing sales organization within a financially strong, independently owned company approaching 100 years in business.
Ready to Lead the Next Stage of Growth?
If you are a confident sales leader who wants the authority and accountability to develop a strong team, win meaningful business, and drive profitable growth, we want to hear from you. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact and help shape the future of the MRS sales organization.
Who We Are
MRS has been a leading distributor of the highest quality building products since 1931.