Sales Manager — Chemical Distribution & Industrial Sales

Location: California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, Utah, New Mexic| Field-Based / Regional Travel
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Industry: Chemical Distribution | Industrial & Specialty Chemicals

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an established, growing chemical distribution company seeking a commercially driven Sales Manager to help strengthen its sales organization, accelerate business growth, and develop a high-performing team.

This is not a traditional sales management position focused solely on dashboards, reporting, and oversight.

The opportunity is designed for someone who understands what drives profitable sales, knows how to earn the respect of experienced salespeople, and enjoys developing talent while remaining close to customers and commercial decisions.

You will work directly with senior leadership, gain valuable exposure to business operations and strategic decision-making, and have the opportunity to progress into broader sales leadership responsibilities.

For the right individual, this offers a compelling combination of strong earning potential, hands-on leadership, and long-term career advancement.

What You'll Own

Sales Leadership & Team Development

- Lead, coach, and support a team of experienced and developing sales representatives.
- Establish clear performance expectations, accountability, and effective sales practices.
- Mentor junior sales professionals and help strengthen their prospecting, negotiation, and account management capabilities.
- Build credibility across the organization through practical leadership and a hands-on approach.

Commercial Growth & Profitability

- Drive profitable revenue growth across assigned territories and customer accounts.
- Monitor gross profit, pricing strategies, margins, and overall sales performance.
- Identify new business opportunities while strengthening relationships with existing customers.
- Support commercial negotiations, customer retention, and strategic account development.
- Analyze sales trends and identify opportunities to improve profitability and execution.

Business Strategy & Collaboration

- Partner closely with senior leadership on sales planning and business development initiatives.
- Collaborate with purchasing, operations, logistics, and customer service teams.
- Contribute to sales hiring, onboarding, and organizational development.
- Support long-term growth initiatives and the continued development of the sales organization.

What We're Looking For

- Proven experience in B2B sales, ideally within chemical distribution, industrial products, specialty chemicals, or related markets.
- Previous experience managing, mentoring, or supporting multiple sales representatives.
- Strong understanding of pricing, gross margins, profitability, and commercial decision-making.
- Demonstrated success developing customer relationships, winning business, and growing revenue.
- Ability to coach salespeople while holding teams accountable for results.
- Strong analytical, numerical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Comfortable working directly with senior leadership and contributing to business strategy.
- Based in California or willing to relocate, with flexibility for regional travel.

Backgrounds That Could Be a Strong Fit

We are particularly interested in professionals with experience in:

- Industrial or specialty chemical distribution
- B2B industrial sales management
- Chemical manufacturing and distribution sales
- Technical or commercial sales leadership
- Regional or territory sales management
- Industrial supply and related distribution businesses

Direct chemical industry experience is valuable, but candidates from closely related distribution environments with strong commercial leadership experience may also be considered.

What Will Make You Successful

The strongest candidates will bring more than impressive revenue figures.

They will understand how to build a disciplined, profitable sales operation while developing people and maintaining strong customer relationships.

We're looking for a leader who combines commercial intelligence, humility, accountability, and the ambition to grow into greater responsibility.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

- Attractive Compensation: Approximately $150K base with performance-driven earning potential exceeding $250K.
- Leadership Exposure: Work closely with senior decision-makers and contribute directly to business growth.
- Career Progression: Long-term opportunity to move into broader sales leadership.
- Meaningful Impact: Influence team development, profitability, customer strategy, and commercial performance.
- Growth Environment: Join an expanding organization where strong execution and leadership can make a measurable difference.

About Sperton

We are a recruitment and consulting company with an international reach. We are committed to helping our clients achieve success in their hiring processes, finding the right people for the right positions.