Job: Midwest Sales Manager (Lighters & Cigar Accessories)

Company Description

Our client is an established company in the smoking accessories sector, with more than two decades of market presence and a strong reputation across specialty retail channels. The company operates through a combination of direct regional sales leadership and independent representatives in selected markets.

This role supports a significant Midwest territory (IL, WI, MI, MN, IN, OH, IA) and will focus on serving independent tobacconists, liquor store chains, smoke shops, and cannabis retailers. The environment is described as collaborative, disciplined, and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on accountability and mutual support.

Objective of the Role

The Midwest Regional Sales Manager will be responsible for maintaining and growing sales volume, customer satisfaction, and account retention across the assigned territory. This is a field-based commercial role with a strong emphasis on relationship management, account development, and disciplined territory execution.

Approximately 75% of the role will be dedicated to managing and growing existing business, while approximately 25% will focus on identifying and converting new account opportunities. The position is intended for a commercially minded sales professional who can operate independently, strengthen customer partnerships, and represent the company effectively in the market.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate will bring business-to-business sales experience within smoking accessories, tobacco, cigars, adjacent regulated consumer products, or other categories sold through similar specialty retail channels. Experience selling into independent retailers, regional chains, wholesalers, and distributor networks across the Midwest will be highly valued.

The successful candidate should be self-motivated, commercially astute, and comfortable working autonomously in a broad territory. Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and follow-through skills are essential. A professional who combines disciplined account management with proactive business development will be best suited for the role.

Residence within the Midwest territory is required. Frequent travel, including overnight travel, is expected.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand sales volume, account satisfaction, and retention across the assigned Midwest territory
• Develop strong relationships with existing retail and wholesale customers through regular in-person market visits
• Identify, pursue, and open new business opportunities within the territory
• Analyze territory performance and organize travel and call schedules to maximize sales effectiveness
• Review customer assortments, pricing, and merchandising approaches, and recommend actions to improve sell-through and inventory turns
• Present and launch new products to customers and trade partners
• Serve as the primary commercial liaison between customers and internal functions such as customer service, accounts receivable, warehouse, and shipping
• Resolve customer issues in a timely and professional manner to support long-term account satisfaction
• Monitor sales performance, competitive activity, and market developments, and provide relevant feedback to management
• Attend trade shows, customer events, and other industry-facing activities as required
• Partner closely with sales leadership and cross-functional teams to support territory execution and overall commercial goals

Requirements

• Proven sales experience in a relevant consumer products category, preferably within smoking accessories, tobacco, cigars, or closely related channels
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Solid business acumen, analytical capability, and territory planning skills
• Ability to manage existing business while also developing new accounts
• High level of self-direction, discipline, and accountability in a field-based role
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Associate degree preferred
• Clean driving record required
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including overnight travel
• Must reside full-time within the assigned Midwest territory