Area Manager, Sales Outside Sales

Job Title

Area Manager - Pro Channel

Minnesota/Wisconsin (Field Sales)

Rust-Oleum US Sales

Midwest Zone Manager

No

Rust-Oleum Corporation is a worldwide leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry. We offer a wide range of products including decorative fashion paints, durable industrial roof repair coatings and, of course, our famous rust‑fighting formula that started it all.

As our Area Manager for Pro Channel, you are responsible for driving sales and represent Rust‑Oleum's 14 platforms of products to independent paint dealers and professional paint contractors within the assigned geographic territory based in the Minneapolis, MN metro area.

This individual will work from a home‑based office within the territory in which they will travel to service accounts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South and North Dakota. Travel accounts for 40‑50%.

Ideally candidates will reside in or near the Minneapolis, MN metro area.

• Sales – this job is all about increasing market share by selling the Rust‑Oleum Portfolio of products in their assigned geographic territory.
  • Increase distribution of all Rust‑Oleum brands within the assigned dealer and distributor base by expanding market share and reducing competitive presence.
  • Maintain regular contact with customers to identify business opportunities and increase market share.
• Identify customer needs to facilitate product mix and platform recommendations.
• Achieve profitable quarterly sales objectives and goals.
• Execute category management strategies with dealer base to grow market share.
• Develop and follow a comprehensive time and territory management plan to maximize coverage and efficiently manage expenses.
• Provide merchandising, pricing, and promotional support to the dealer base.
• Work with internal and external customers to meet all commitments and deadlines.
• Maintain regular contact with customers to identify business opportunities, and to present new products.
• Identify customer needs to facilitate product recommendations, and planogram recommendations.
• Weekly/Monthly planning of calls dealer at the corporate level as well as store visits.
• Work with customer service to assure customer satisfaction on orders and set pricing.
• Manage territory expense budgets.
• Achieve quarterly sales objectives.

• 1‑3 years of previous paint & coatings outside sales experience is preferred.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a business‑related field and/or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Prior experience in a sales service role with demonstrated success in customer retention.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License and have maintained a motor vehicle record within acceptable limits as prescribed by Rust‑Oleum.
• Previous retail selling experience strongly desired, paint store dealer experience a plus.
• Requires the ability to effectively analyze a customer’s business and successfully communicate how our products and services can help them increase their sales and profits.
• Ability to analyze data and complete a Profit & Loss analysis as required.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills and presentation skills.
• Self‑starter able to manage own time, schedule, and sales territory, with a proven ability to multitask.
• Ability to work and travel within assigned territory 40‑50% of the time. Periodic evening and weekend hours are required for trade shows and customer events.
• Proven history of exceptional follow‑up skills.
• Proven history of working with a diverse customer base including independent dealers, distributors, MRO accounts, professional painting contractors and OEM.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions furnished in written or oral format.
• Analyze territory performance reports and develop sales territory business plans.
• Ability to analyze problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and write reports to communicate the information.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Teams, Excel, Power BI, SAP and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products, SAP, Power BI and various Internet applications.
• Working knowledge PowerPoint and presentation skills are…