National Sales Manager Jobs in Minnesota

Position Summary

Build and maintain a high-performing sales organization that effectively achieves the Company’s business objectives. Take appropriate steps to measure, strengthen, and enhance the Company’s position and image through the development and execution of sales goals, strategies, and objectives.

Essential Functions

The individual in this position must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develop and implement effective direct-sales strategies and lead the nationwide independent sales representative organization, including sales and sales-education personnel, to achieve corporate sales objectives.
• Develop long-term sales strategies, annual forecasts, and annual sales operating plans, including territory plans and specific account-penetration strategies and tactics.
• Communicate the sales vision, provide active coaching and development, compare sales results with established goals, and take appropriate corrective action when needed.
• Oversee the hiring, orientation, training, development, and retention of sales and sales-education personnel.
• Provide supervision through field visits, observation, and performance measurement, including performance appraisals and general recommendations.
• Prepare quarterly and annual sales forecasts.
• Collaborate with management, accounting, sales, and engineering personnel to develop and execute new concepts, business models, channels, and partnerships that position the Company as an innovator and industry leader.
• Maintain knowledge of competitors and market conditions to inform and adjust sales strategies.
• Assist in evaluating the financial aspects of product development, including budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, return-on-investment analyses, and profit-and-loss projections.
• Assist in developing pricing strategies that balance Company objectives with customer satisfaction.
• Contribute to market research initiatives and analyze research findings.
• Use sales forecasting and strategic planning to support the sales and profitability of products, product lines, and services; analyze business developments and monitor market trends.
• Contribute to Company advertising and promotional activities, including print, electronic, social media, and direct-mail efforts.
• Contribute to and/or participate in promotional activities, including trade shows, website development, internal relations, and public relations.
• Collaborate with product-development personnel on product specifications, including design, color, and packaging.

Position Qualifications

• Listen and communicate clearly, fluently, and diplomatically in English, both orally and in writing, while maintaining positive, cooperative relationships with management, staff, and clients.
• Plan, organize, prioritize, and follow through accurately on work activities; manage time constraints and interruptions; meet deadlines; and work independently with minimal direction or supervision.
• Remain flexible, resilient, and calm; maintain a constructive attitude and sense of humor; and consistently present a professional, well-groomed image.
• Work effectively and respectfully with staff, managers, executives, and individuals with varied working styles to promote accountability, results, and service excellence.
• Build goodwill for the organization and its management among employees, clients, suppliers, referral sources, regulatory bodies, the community, and other relevant stakeholders, while demonstrating a strong commitment to client service and service excellence.
• Maintain regular, consistent, and punctual attendance, which is an essential function of the position.
• Education, Experience, and Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a science-related field, with a strong focus on sales-related functions.
  • At least eight years of relevant experience in equipment sales or a related field, including at least five years managing an independent representative sales force.
  • Experience developing target- or account-based incentive packages and executing channel development and rollout initiatives.
  • Demonstrated success recruiting and retaining a high-performing sales team, with the ability to lead and manage a diverse sales organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, direct, and achieve sales plans.
  • Strong business analysis and judgment, including the ability to proactively manage business performance and profit-and-loss (P&L) responsibilities to meet objectives.
  • Skills in strategy development, project management, problem-solving, and change management.
  • Ability to build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Exceptional negotiation skills.
  • Superior written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with an emphasis on clarity and brevity.
  • Business-related computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.