District Sales Manager – Welding Equipment
Territory: Northern Illinois & Wisconsin
Industry: Welding Equipment Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: Approximately 50–60% (within the assigned territory other than occasional trade shows or trainings / meetings at company HQ)
Company Overview
Our client is a well-established manufacturer of welding equipment and accessories, serving industrial, fabrication, manufacturing, and automation markets across North America. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of manual and automated welding solutions and is recognized for its product quality, technical innovation, and strong distributor partnerships.
Position Summary
The District Sales Manager (DSM) is responsible for driving sales growth throughout Northern Illinois & Wisconsin,. This role focuses on developing and strengthening distributor relationships, expanding market share, and working directly with end users to improve productivity and welding application performance.
The successful candidate will work closely with regional welding distributors, fabricators, manufacturers, and OEM customers while identifying new business opportunities and growing existing accounts. The ideal candidate possesses strong welding industry knowledge, enjoys building long-term customer relationships, and thrives in an autonomous, field-based sales environment.
Candidates should reside within or near the assigned territory, with Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin preferred
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a thorough understanding of the company's welding products, features, benefits, and applications to effectively support distributors and end users.
- Partner with regional welding distributors to increase sales, provide technical expertise, and execute joint business development initiatives.
- Build relationships with fabricators, manufacturers, OEMs, and end users to identify opportunities and generate product demand.
- Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities while expanding existing customer relationships throughout the territory.
- Conduct joint sales calls with distribution partners to promote products and increase market penetration.
- Support distributor open houses, customer demonstrations, trade shows, and regional industry events.
- Maintain accurate sales activity, customer interactions, forecasts, and opportunity pipelines within the company's CRM system.
- Meet or exceed territory sales objectives established in partnership with sales leadership.
- Effectively manage travel schedules and territory planning to maximize customer coverage and sales productivity.
- Prepare and submit expense reports in accordance with company policies.
- Maintain company assets and equipment in good working condition.
- Represent the company professionally while delivering exceptional customer service and technical support.
- Apply mechanical and electrical knowledge to assist customers with welding applications and technical product recommendations.
Qualifications
- Prior outside sales experience within the welding industry or a closely related industrial manufacturing market required.
- Strong knowledge of welding processes and applications required.
- Experience with MIG, TIG, FCAW, and automated/robotic welding solutions preferred.
- Demonstrated success working with industrial distribution and channel partners.
- Proven ability to develop new business while growing existing customer relationships.
- Ability to understand and communicate technical product specifications and application recommendations.
- Highly self-motivated with excellent organizational and territory management skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and CRM software.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to travel approximately 70–80% throughout Northern Illinois & Wisconsn (up to 50% overnight travel, depending on where you live)
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Ability to obtain a passport for occasional international travel if required.
Preferred Residence
Candidates living in or near the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Rockford, IL
- Chicagoland (Northern Suburbs or Western Suburbs)
- Madison, WI
- Milwaukee, WI
Other locations within the territory will also be considered.
Job Functions
- Sales
- Business Development
- Channel Sales
- Distributor Management
- Territory Management