Channel Sales Manager- Lakes region

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional channel plan that delivers sustainable revenue and gross profit growth
• Strengthen distributor partnerships through collaborative growth planning and ongoing business engagement
• Work with distributor partners to identify and develop opportunities early in the customer buying journey
• Expand market reach by identifying new applications, industries, customer segments, and growth opportunities across the region
• Develop a strong understanding of target industries, customer applications, market trends, and competitive activity to identify emerging opportunities
• Strengthen distributor sales and technical capabilities through product training, application support, coaching, and performance development
• Use customer, partner, and market insights to prioritize opportunities and guide regional priorities
• Develop growth plans that improve distributor performance and expand market coverage
• Maintain an accurate pipeline, forecast, and partner information to support effective planning and execution
• Develop deep knowledge of the 80/20 product portfolio to help distributor partners identify opportunities, solve customer challenges, and create value
• Collaborate across Sales and cross-functional teams to coordinate resources and deliver an exceptional customer and partner experience
• Share market and partner insights that improve products, services, and commercial performance
• Represent 80/20 with professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to helping distributor partners and customers succeed
• Champion continuous improvement by identifying ideas that strengthen partnerships, improve execution, and accelerate business growth

• Achieve or exceed revenue, gross profit, and growth objectives
• Strengthen distributor capability and long-term business performance
• Increase the number and quality of opportunities developed with distributor partners
• Expand market reach across targeted industries, applications, and customer segments
• Improve distributor performance through stronger commercial capability and execution
• Maintain accurate forecasts and strong CRM discipline
• Collaborate effectively across the business to deliver an exceptional customer and partner experience
• Drive sustainable channel growth through disciplined execution and sound business judgment

• High school diploma or GED required
• 5+ years of successful experience in channel sales, distribution management, business development, or B2B sales, preferably in industrial manufacturing, automation, engineered products, material handling, or related industries
• Demonstrated success strengthening distributor partnerships and growing channel performance
• Proven ability to identify growth opportunities, develop business plans, and execute with discipline
• Strong coaching, consultative selling, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Experience using CRM systems, preferably Salesforce
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross functional teams
• Willingness to travel frequently (35-50%)
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience working with industrial distributors or manufacturer sales organizations
• Experience selling engineered, configurable, or technical solutions
• Experience supporting industrial manufacturing, automation, material handling, or related markets
• Knowledge of industrial distribution, channel strategy, and partner development