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.

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 Central and West Michigan