District Sales Manager
Role: Sales Manager – Horticulture
Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.
Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, Sun Gro.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Regional Sales Director, the successful candidate will drive sales efforts for professional and retail horticulture markets within the assigned territory. This includes achieving sales targets, implementing marketing strategies, managing distributor and account objectives, maintaining CRM data, and representing Sun Gro products in the marketplace. The role requires travel to customer sites and distributor locations.
Compensation:
$75,000 base + bonus structure
Benefits:
Health Insurance (includes telemedicine, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Health Spending Account
Employee Support and Mental Wellness
Short-term disability
401k Match
Paid vacation
Floating days
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Engagement Events
Awards and Recognition
Tuition Reimbursement
Service Awards
Employee Perks & Discounts
Job Responsibilities:
Plan, organize, and control the total selling effort within the assigned territory
Achieve area sales budget objectives and plans as assigned
Ensure distribution objectives are attained consistently for professional and retail product lines
Establish territory, distributor, and account objectives and develop plans for their achievement
Deliver combined product sales of professional and retail peat moss and mixes according to approved sales and marketing plans
Implement and control approved sales/marketing programs and procedures
Achieve new account and distribution objectives
Monitor the market, competitors, and potential customers to adjust sales strategies accordingly
Maintain CRM data by accurately recording all sales activities and account notes
Communicate with supervisors regarding territory activities and business factors
Participate in regional meetings to plan and analyze business activities
Address customer requests, problems, or special situations related to product performance
Handle company materials and equipment responsibly to maintain a positive impression
Control territory expense budgets and submit timely sales and expense reports
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and monitor activities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to analyze decisions and implement solutions in line with organizational goals
Strong knowledge of market conditions, trends, and competitor activity
Ability to manage multiple distributors with professionalism, honesty, and diplomacy
Education and Experience:
Education in horticulture or equivalent experience preferred
Passion for horticulture with experience in lawn/garden retail or plant nurseries
Horticulture/Ag Certification is a plus (State/County courses or continuing education)
Greenhouse/Nursery production experience is a plus
Experience with Independent Garden Centers or horticulture departments in hardware stores
Additional Requirements:
Ability and willingness to travel to cover territory needs and team activities
Work Environment:
Remote position with ~50% travel
Territory covers Ohio and West Virginia