Sales Manager - Job Description
Client: Confidential
Industry: Chemical Distribution
Location: California
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Model: On-site / Field-Based Leadership Role
Compensation:
· Base Salary: Approximately $150,000 USD
· Bonus / Commission Structure: GP-based incentive tied to team performance
· Long-term earning potential: $150,000 - $250,000+ USD
Position Summary
A growing chemical distribution company is seeking a Sales Manager to work directly alongside ownership with the long-term goal of eventually leading the sales organization.
This is not a traditional corporate sales management role focused only on reporting and administration. The company is looking for someone who can lead from the front, earn the respect of sales reps, understand margins and profitability, and help drive long-term business growth.
The current team consists of:
· 5-7 senior sales representatives who operate independently
· 12 junior sales representatives requiring coaching, accountability, and day-to-day management
The ideal candidate is commercially sharp, analytical, relationship-driven, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving sales environment within chemical distribution.
This role is designed as a succession-focused leadership opportunity with direct mentorship and training under ownership during the first year.
Key Responsibilities
· Work directly with ownership to learn the business, customers, and sales strategy
· Manage, coach, and develop junior sales representatives
· Support accountability, activity management, and sales execution across the team
· Monitor gross profit performance and maintain strong margin discipline
· Help drive territory growth and customer retention
· Review pricing, profitability, and deal structure with a margin-first mindset
· Build trust and credibility with both senior and junior sales reps
· Support hiring, onboarding, and development of future sales talent
· Analyze sales performance, trends, and pipeline activity
· Assist with strategic growth planning and expansion opportunities
· Work cross-functionally with operations, purchasing, and leadership teams
· Eventually transition into broader leadership responsibility over the sales organization
Education & Experience Requirements
Required
· 5-10 years of experience within chemical distribution sales
· Previous experience in sales leadership, team management, or mentorship
· Strong understanding of margin management and profitability
· Proven ability to develop customer relationships and close business
· Strong analytical and numerical skills
· Experience managing or supporting multiple sales reps
· Based in California or open to relocation to California
Strong Plus
· Experience leading both senior and junior sales teams
· Existing relationships within industrial, chemical, manufacturing, or distribution markets
· Experience managing compensation or incentive-driven sales teams
· Experience scaling territories or sales organizations
Nice to Have
· Background in specialty chemicals, industrial chemicals, or related distribution sectors
· Experience working in entrepreneurial or privately owned companies
· Exposure to GP-focused sales environments
Ideal Personality Profile
· Hustler mentality with strong business instincts
· Analytical and commercially aware
· Humble but confident
· Strong communicator who earns respect naturally
· Long-term mindset and leadership maturity
· Comfortable balancing accountability with relationship-building
· Hands-on leader willing to stay involved in the business
Work Environment
This is a leadership-focused role requiring regular interaction with the sales team, customers, and ownership. The position is heavily relationship-driven and best suited for someone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial sales environment.
Travel within California and surrounding territories may be required based on team and customer needs.
Compensation Structure
· Approximate base salary of $150,000 USD
· Additional earnings tied to gross profit performance of managed sales reps
· Long-term earning potential exceeding $250,000+ for high-performing leaders
· Compensation growth tied directly to team development and sales expansion
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
· Direct mentorship from ownership
· Clear succession path into senior sales leadership
· Existing sales infrastructure already in place
· Strong long-term income potential
· Opportunity to shape and scale a growing sales organization
· High-visibility role with real influence on company growth