Director of Sales - Midwest

Region: Midwest – Ideal candidate will reside in/around the Chicagoland area.

About the Role

Emery Jensen, a subsidiary of Ace Hardware Corporation, sells and distributes hard‑line products to independent pro, lumber, paint, hardware, and e‑retailer customer segments. As a Sales Director you will be responsible for the performance and development of all sales team members in the assigned geography/market, achieving revenue and operating expense budgets, and contributing to profitability targets. You will build world‑class sales teams, coach effectively, and ensure the Emery Jensen value proposition resonates with customers.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and direction to the sales team on pricing and profitability.
• Build and maintain a highly talented team of Territory Managers that deliver consistent monthly and yearly performance.
• Oversee talent development and hold Territory Managers accountable for achieving sales plans, expanding the customer base, and ensuring profitable growth.
• Develop, execute, and adjust strategic plans aligned with Emery Jensen’s annual objectives.
• Understand market dynamics—including competitive landscape, customer channels, and economic conditions—and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Manage an operating expense budget, meet expense‑management targets, and ensure expense growth remains slower than sales growth.
• Achieve revenue goals and sales‑growth targets through the field sales Territory Managers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced business degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience.
• Proven ability to build a world‑class sales organization by attracting top talent.
• Track record of leading teams to exceed performance goals.
• Strong wholesale distribution background.
• Effective coaching and team‑development skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation abilities and executive presence.
• Leadership skills that motivate, inspire, and build trust.
• Strategic orientation with solid planning and financial acumen.
• Fact‑based, solution‑oriented problem‑solving and management style.
• Willingness to travel extensively (“road warrior”).
• Work authorization: this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation

Salary range: $136,000 – $160,000 per year.

Benefits

• Incentive opportunities with payouts exceeding 116.96% of target in recent years.
• Generous 401(k) plan with fully vested matching contribution in the first year and an annual discretionary contribution (average 6.6% of total compensation for fully eligible employees).
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision) plus short‑term (up to 26 weeks) and long‑term disability, and life insurance for you and dependents.
• 21 days of vacation immediately available (prorated in the first year) and up to 6 paid holidays, depending on hire date.
• Company car, phone, and fuel card for field‑based positions.
• Annual Cares Week – 20 hours paid time off to volunteer.
• Opportunities to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation.
• On‑site classes, facilitator‑led courses, and generous tuition assistance for professional development.
• Frequent campus events such as Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales.
• Convenient services: mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash/detailing, dry cleaning, dental/eye care, flu shots, recycling, etc.
• Employee discounts on Ace merchandise (e.g., Weber, Traeger, Yeti, Craftsman, DeWalt), travel, fitness, computers, and thousands of other products.
• Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off and adoption cost reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free therapy, legal consultations, financial guidance, elder/childcare support, and entertainment ticket assistance.
• Identity theft protection.