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Distribution Sales Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Insulectro, the largest national distributor of Printed Circuit Board materials in the US is seeking an OEM Sales Manager to develop new business in our Midwest and East Coast territories in the ...

Insulectro, the largest national distributor of Printed Circuit Board materials in the US is seeking an OEM Sales Manager to develop new business in our Midwest and East Coast territories in the ...

This position leads a team of independent manufacturer rep agencies to develop sales in their assigned geographic areas and specific channels of distribution. The Canadian National Sales Manager ...

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Distribution Sales Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.2K

$89.3K

$164.4K

How much do distribution sales manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for distribution sales manager in Chicago, IL is $89,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,900.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a distribution sales manager?

A Distribution Sales Manager is responsible for overseeing the sales activities and strategies of a company's products through various distribution channels. They manage relationships with distributors, set sales targets, and coordinate with internal teams to ensure product availability and market penetration. Their role often includes analyzing sales data, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring customer satisfaction within their assigned regions or markets.

How does a distribution sales manager typically collaborate with other departments to achieve sales targets?

Distribution Sales Managers work closely with marketing, logistics, and product management teams to align sales strategies with organizational goals. They often coordinate with logistics to ensure timely product delivery, and with marketing to develop promotional campaigns that drive distributor engagement. Regular cross-functional meetings and clear communication are key to quickly addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in the market. This collaboration helps streamline processes and ensures that sales targets are met efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distribution sales manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution Sales Manager, you need strong sales acumen, negotiation skills, and a background in business, logistics, or supply chain management, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CRM platforms, sales analytics tools, and inventory management systems is essential for tracking performance and streamlining operations. Exceptional relationship-building, leadership, and problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure effective distribution strategies, foster long-term client partnerships, and drive revenue growth in competitive markets.

What is the difference between Distribution Sales Manager vs Sales Executive?

AspectDistribution Sales ManagerSales Executive
ResponsibilitiesOversees distribution channels, manages sales teams, develops distribution strategiesGenerates sales, builds client relationships, promotes products
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; experience in sales/distributionBachelor's degree often preferred; sales experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with field visits to distributors and clientsPrimarily client-facing, field and office work
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution sectorsWidely used across various sales-driven industries

The Distribution Sales Manager focuses on managing distribution channels and leading sales teams, while the Sales Executive primarily engages in direct sales activities and client relationships. Both roles require sales experience and relevant education, but the Distribution Sales Manager has a broader strategic and managerial scope within distribution networks.

How much do distribution sales managers make in the US?

Distribution sales managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, with higher earnings possible based on experience, industry, and location. Compensation often includes bonuses and commissions, especially in sales-driven environments, and requires strong negotiation and leadership skills.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Distribution Sales Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Distribution Sales Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Distribution Sales Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,319 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Distribution Sales Manager - Controls

OTTO Engineering

Carpentersville, IL

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Distribution Sales Manager - Controls

Why should you join OTTO Engineering?

  • At OTTO, we don't just manufacture products - we engineer mission-critical solutions with precision and pride. Our Controls Division designs and manufactures high quality, comprehensive solutions that reliably perform for some of the most demanding markets in the world, serving the medical, off-highway, and military / aerospace customers with switches, grips, and joysticks.
  • As a core value, we focus on delivering for our customers through innovative technology, superior quality, value, and responsiveness … as a result, our growth continues!
  • Employees are our greatest asset, which is why we share our company's profits to celebrate our collective success.
  • As a privately-owned company, we are proud to invest significantly in our community and in our own growth, focusing on long-term business success.
  • We are proudly American!

Specifically, we are seeking experience with …

  • Working with distributors, manufacturer's representative organizations, and customers within the designated territory
  • Increasing business with existing customers and new customers
  • Providing product training to the distributors
  • Strategy development and pricing recommendations
  • Tracking and reporting customer returns, competition, pricing, and market direction

Our Distribution Sales Manager will perform a variety of sales duties to ensure a smooth department operation.

The Distribution Sales Manager will:

  • Work with the distributors, manufacturer's rep' organizations and customers (existing and potential) within the designated territory (United States and Canada) to increase business with existing customers and new customers and new products.
  • Ensure the distributors Sales organization are providing an effective field sales force and monitor their performance on a regular and formal basis.
  • Track and report customer returns in technology, competition, pricing, and market direction to the Director of Sales.
  • Take responsibility for terminating Distributors, as well as, hiring new Distributors.
  • Provide product training to the Distributors on a regular basis, supporting trade shows and other promotional activity as needed.
  • Assist in creation of collateral material and sales tools for the distribution market.
  • Provide input from distributors to OTTO Sales and Engineering teams for new product development.
  • Responsible for the attainment of direct booking goals and distributor sales and goals for the region.
  • Takes ownership of strategy development, including pricing recommendation, for all strategic accounts within the region and secures concurrence of agreed upon strategy from the Director of Sales and Regional Sales Manager.
  • Secures performance of Distribution in achievement of bookings plan for all products, forecast accuracy, and achievement of strategic customer penetration plans.
  • Manages all facets of distribution and the implementation of distributor promotions.
  • Manage Distribution Co-op Program activities.
  • Monitors top accounts and major opportunities within the region and provides assistance where needed to maintain and/or capture new business.
  • Log major opportunities in CRM.
  • Develops and maintain effective communication with manufacturer's representatives, distributors and customers.
  • Participate in the Material Review Board (MRB) – including developing and processing Discrepant Material Reports (DMRs) and performing part analysis as directed by the MRB committee.
  • Assist with other related duties as required or assigned.

About you - What you'll bring to the table:

  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Minimum 5 years related sales experience
  • MS Office computer knowledge
  • Strong oral, written, and presentation skills
  • Requires self-motivation and ability to complete projects with strict guidelines
  • Must be able to work in a quick paced environment
  • Must be able to travel within territory
  • Availability for nonstandard or extended work schedule

What OTTO offers for this specific position:
The hiring range listed in this posting is what we, in good faith, anticipate relying on when confirming a base salary for this position; exceptions may be considered for highly experienced candidates with multiple years of at-level experience.
•Target base salary hiring range: $100,000 to $120,000, based on qualifications and experience.
•Profit Sharing Bonus - OTTO believes that it's fair to share the profits that the employees help to make; profit sharing is distributed to employees twice a year. OTTO's profit sharing plan is paid at the discretion of the company and is not a guaranteed bonus or any part of a compensation plan.
•Sales incentive: Sales Bonus Plan – Controls
•Vacation: 120 hours - vacation time is earned on the anniversary date.
OTTO's Benefits:

Health:
Medical Insurance-
oHMO Plan
oStandard PPO Plan
oEnhanced PPO Plan
oHigh Deducible PPO Plan
oFSA, LFSA, and HSA
Dental Insurance-
oBase Plan
oBuy-Up Plan
Vision Insurance
401(k) with a company match
Life insurance:
oLife/AD&D
oVoluntary Life/AD&D
oShort-Term Disability
oLong-Term Disability
10 paid holidays
Company picnic
Holiday party
AND numerous OTTO celebrations throughout the year!

To review all of OTTO's available opportunities, please visit our career page by clicking on the link below:

https://otto-engineering-inc.breezy.hr/

OTTO Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran

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Request for Assistance / Reasonable Accommodation:

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If you need an alternative method for applying, please contact OTTO Engineering via telephone at 847-428-7171 or email at HRDepartment @ ottoexcellence.com

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