Job Facts
Job Status: Open
Job Title: Business Development Sales Manager – Midwest (Travel Gear & Watches)
Location: Chicago, area
Alternate location: Or Texas, or Toronto
Industry: Travel Gear & Watches
Market: Midwest from Illinois to Texas, in addition to Ontario, Canada
Channel: Independent and chain retailers
Reporting to: VP of Sales
Direct Reports: None
Traveling: 50-60%
Visa: No sponsorship possible. Must have valid work authorization
Job ID: ZR_9525_JOB
Tags
Remote work policy: On-site
Job Seniority: Middle Management Level
Company size: Medium (50-1000 ppl)
Company Ownership: Privately Owned
Industry(ies): Consumer Goods, Luxury Goods,
Function(s): Sales & Business Development (National),
Region(s): San Antonio, NORTH AMERICA, Austin, Chicago, USA, Dallas, Toronto Area, Canada, Houston, Illinois, Texas
Job Description
Company Description
Our client is a family-owned company recognized globally for its iconic products, including cutlery, watches, and travel gear. Established in Europe, the company also operates in North America, and Latin America, focusing on premium pricing to serve a diverse consumer base, including both retail and B2B clients. With approximately 5,000 employees worldwide and a solid foundation in values such as integrity and trust, Our client is poised to strengthen its market presence in the Midwestern US and Canadian regions.
Objective of the Role
The Business Development Sales Manager will oversee the execution of the retail strategy for the Travel Gear and Watches categories in the Midwest US and Canada. The primary goal is to manage current business while identifying new opportunities, driving sustainable growth, and ensuring excellence in assortment management, sales performance, and partner engagement.
Ideal Profile
The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in sales, particularly within the travel gear and watch industries, or comparable sectors such as cosmetics or jewelry. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in developing relationships with key accounts and independent representatives, with an understanding of luxury and premium products. Experience in managing both retail and B2B channels will be advantageous.
Responsibilities
- Achieve annual sales targets, focusing on both new business acquisition and existing program growth.
- Foster strong collaborative relationships at all levels of customer organizations to enhance sales performance, visual merchandising, and replenishment strategies.
- Conduct market assessments to recommend account openings or closures, ensuring optimal brand positioning.
- Ensure compliance with terms and conditions, managing the complete sales cycle from prospecting to account management.
- Train retail staff to enhance brand and product understanding, promoting effective sales techniques.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing.
- 3-5 years of experience in sales, preferably within national or regional roles in the travel gear and watches sectors.
- Strong organizational, project management, and managerial skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Willingness to travel 50-60% of the time.
- Strong relationship-building capabilities.