WGB Group is a leading manufacturers' representative agency specializing in the Home Center, Hardware & Farm channels. We partner with manufacturers to grow market share by developing strategic retail relationships, executing category initiatives, and delivering best-in-class account management. We are seeking a highly motivated Sales Manager to lead WGB's business in the Home Center, Hardware & Farm channels. This individual will serve as the primary liaison between our manufacturer partners and these key retailers, developing growth strategies, identifying new opportunities, and driving execution across multiple product categories. The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, analytical, highly organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment managing multiple manufacturers and retailer initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Retail Sales Management:
Serve as the primary sales manager for Midwest based retailers across assigned manufacturer partners.
Develop and execute annual account strategies focused on distribution growth, assortment expansion, promotional planning, pricing optimization, and profitability.
Build and strengthen relationships with retailer merchants, category managers, divisional leadership, and key stakeholders.
Identify opportunities for new product placement, line reviews, seasonal programs, and category expansion.
Prepare and lead retailer line reviews, business reviews, category presentations, and executive meetings.
Manufacturer Partnership:
Serve as the strategic business partner for assigned manufacturers.
Develop annual business plans aligned with manufacturer objectives.
Provide ongoing communication regarding retailer performance, competitive activity, category trends, and growth opportunities.
Coordinate new product launches, promotional events, and merchandising initiatives.
Deliver actionable recommendations using POS data, retailer insights, and marketplace intelligence.
Sales Strategy & Business Development:- Identify incremental distribution opportunities and drive profitable sales growth.
- Develop promotional calendars and strategic initiatives to increase market share.
- Monitor competitive products, pricing, assortment changes, and emerging market trends.
- Collaborate with retailer and manufacturer partners to resolve business challenges and execute strategic growth plans.
- Participate in new business presentations and support WGB's manufacturer acquisition efforts. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with WGB Account Coordinators, Sales Support, Analytics, and Leadership teams to ensure flawless execution.
- Coordinate retailer portal activity, promotional submissions, product maintenance, and operational requirements.
- Support forecasting, inventory planning, and new item setup processes.
- Assist with trade show planning, customer events, and retailer meetings.
Industry Leadership:
Represent WGB at retailer meetings, manufacturer meetings, industry events, and trade shows.
Maintain a strong understanding of Home Center, Hardware, & Farn industry trends.
Build relationships throughout the retail and manufacturer community while positioning WGB as a trusted strategic partner.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent business experience.7–10 years of sales, account management, or category management experience.
Experience working with Ace Hardware or other Home Center, Hardware, or Farm & Fleet retailers preferred.
Proven ability to develop customer relationships and drive profitable sales growth.
Strong business acumen with experience analyzing sales, POS data, promotions, and category performance.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with retailer portals and syndicated data is a plus.
Willingness to travel regularly to retailer headquarters, manufacturer offices, customer meetings, and industry events.
Preferred Experience:
Experience supporting Home Center, Hardware, and Farm channels.
Understanding of retailer merchandising processes, line reviews, promotional planning, and category management.
Experience working for a manufacturer, sales agency, or retailer within the consumer products industry.
Salary & Benefits:- Competitive base salary based on experience
- Annual performance-based incentive plan
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- Life and disability insurance
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Professional development opportunities
- Travel reimbursement
Remote position in Greater Chicago Metropolitan area with travel to retailer headquarters.
Why Join WGB?At WGB, we pride ourselves on acting as a true extension of our manufacturers' teams. Our collaborative culture, deep retailer relationships, and expertise across the Home Center, Hardware, and Farm & Fleet channels allow us to deliver measurable results for our partners. As a Sales Manager, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with industry-leading retailers, influence category growth, and make a meaningful impact on both our clients' businesses and WGB's continued success.
