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Distributor Development Manager Jobs in Michigan

Mahr Inc.

Area Channel Manager

Wixom, MI · On-site

$145K - $146K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an Area Channel Manager - Distributor Development , supporting a national distribution sales role with preference for candidates based in the Midwest (preferably ...

Mahr, Inc.

Area Channel Manager

Wixom, MI · On-site

$145K - $146K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an Area Channel Manager - Distributor Development , supporting a national distribution sales role with preference for candidates based in the Midwest (preferably ...

PMJOBS.US

Business Development Manager (BDM)

Detroit, MI · On-site

$50K - $70K/mo

... logistics, distribution, and light industrial employers throughout Michigan. As the company ... The Business Development Manager will join a collaborative organization known for its strong ...

Pearson Foods

Be Seen First

Business Development Manager

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Business Development Manager - Pearson Foods Corporation - Grand Rapids MI Overview: We are seeking ... distributors. If you are looking for unlimited growth and income potential, and to put your ...

MSX International

The bpro Business Development Manager will be thoroughly familiar with the U.S. automotive ... Candidate must possess demonstrated competency in Mopar /Dealer/Distributor specific software ...

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Distributor Development Manager information

What is a distributor development manager?

Distributor Development Managers are professionals responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with distributors to drive sales growth and market expansion. They identify potential distributors, provide training and support, and monitor performance to ensure alignment with company goals. Their role often involves developing sales strategies, negotiating contracts, and analyzing market trends to optimize distribution channels. By fostering partnerships and ensuring effective communication, they help maximize product reach and business success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distributor development manager?

To thrive as a Distributor Development Manager, you need expertise in sales management, channel development, and market analysis, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Proficiency with CRM systems, sales analytics tools, and distribution management software is typically required. Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills help foster long-term partnerships and drive distributor performance. These competencies are essential to maximize distribution efficiency, expand market reach, and achieve business growth targets.

How does a distributor development manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to support distributor growth?

As a Distributor Development Manager, you will frequently work with cross-functional teams such as sales, marketing, supply chain, and customer support to drive distributor performance. This collaboration involves sharing market insights, aligning promotional strategies, coordinating inventory and logistics support, and ensuring consistent messaging to partners. Regular meetings and joint planning sessions are common, allowing you to leverage the expertise of each department and deliver comprehensive solutions to distributors. This teamwork enhances distributor engagement and helps achieve growth targets more efficiently.

What is the difference between Distributor Development Manager vs Sales Representative?

AspectDistributor Development ManagerSales Representative
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; experience in distribution or salesHigh school diploma or equivalent; sales experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with travel to distributor sitesField-based, visiting clients and customers
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, wholesalers, and distribution companiesRetailers, direct sales companies, and various industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in distribution channels and developmentSales activities and customer engagement

The Distributor Development Manager focuses on building and maintaining relationships with distribution partners, developing strategies to expand distribution channels, and ensuring distributor performance aligns with company goals. In contrast, a Sales Representative primarily engages directly with customers to sell products and meet sales targets. While both roles involve sales skills, the Distributor Development Manager has a broader strategic and relationship management focus within distribution networks.

Is being a distributor development manager a stressful job?

A distributor development manager role can be stressful due to targets for sales growth, managing multiple distributor relationships, and meeting performance metrics. The job often requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle pressure in a fast-paced environment.

What are popular job titles related to Distributor Development Manager jobs in Michigan?

For Distributor Development Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distributor Development Manager jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Distributor Development Manager jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Distributor Development Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Distributor Development Manager job openings:

Distributor Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distributor Development Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Area Channel Manager

Mahr Inc.

Wixom, MI • On-site

$145K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Mahr Inc., headquartered in Providence RI, is a member of the Mahr Group. As a leading metrology specialist, with over 160 years of experience in producing an extensive range of dimensional metrology equipment, our expertise gives our customers confidence in their productivity and enhances product quality. From handheld gauges to technically advanced measurement systems for form, contour, surface finish and length, Mahr is at the forefront of the industry. Since technical innovation and quality-oriented thinking are the core competencies of successful businesses like Mahr, we’re looking for exceptional talent interested in supporting our mission of reliability, accuracy and efficiency, honesty and trust, meeting and exceeding our customer’s expectations. Our employees are an investment in our future so we provide extensive training and support, competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Area Channel Manager – Distributor Development, supporting a national distribution sales role with preference for candidates based in the Midwest (preferably Wixom/Detroit area; significant travel required).
This role is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and developing new distributor partners by applying a structured, milestone-driven sales process. Success in this position requires the ability to lead professional, business-level conversations, uncover alignment and misalignment early, and advance only those distributor opportunities that represent mutual long-term value.
Primary Objectives
  • Expand Mahr’s distributor footprint by consistently converting qualified prospects into committed channel partners.
  • Protect sales resources by ensuring only well-aligned distributors progress through the development process.
  • Build a predictable, measurable pipeline of distributor opportunities aligned with Mahr’s national growth strategy.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute a disciplined prospecting plan to identify new distributor opportunities aligned with Mahr’s strategic, geographic, and market priorities.
  • Initiate professional, peer-level conversations with prospective distributors to establish expectations, process, and next steps early in the engagement.
  • Lead structured discovery discussions to understand distributor business drivers, challenges, capabilities, customer access, decision criteria, and commitment level.
  • Qualify or disqualify distributor prospects based on objective criteria including strategic fit, growth potential, commercial alignment, and execution capability.
  • Maintain control of the distributor development process by setting clear milestones, timelines, and mutual commitments.
  • Advance qualified prospects through defined stages of engagement rather than informal or relationship-only selling.
  • Coordinate internal resources, including sales leadership, technical teams, and marketing, only after qualification criteria are met.
  • Support onboarding and launch planning for new distributors to ensure early alignment on expectations, responsibilities, focus products, and success metrics.
  • Maintain accurate pipeline data, activity tracking, and forecasting in CRM systems.
  • Provide regular, fact-based updates to Sales Leadership on pipeline health, risks, next steps, and conversion probability.
  • Represent Mahr with professionalism, confidence, and commercial credibility at distributor meetings, field visits, and industry events.
Requirements
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial sales, channel sales, distributor development, or business development.
  • Proven ability to prospect, qualify, and open new accounts or partners, not just manage existing relationships.
  • Experience leading discovery-based sales conversations with decision-makers and business owners.
  • Demonstrated comfort disqualifying opportunities that do not meet strategic or commercial criteria.
  • Experience working with industrial distributors, channel partners, or technical sales organizations.
  • Technical degree required or equivalent military and on-the-job training; 4-year degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
  • Experience in metrology, measurement, instrumentation, precision tools, or industrial manufacturing markets preferred.
  • Strong planning, organization, and follow-up skills with a process-driven mindset.
  • Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and activity-based reporting.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
The ideal candidate is a confident, disciplined business developer who enjoys controlling the sales process rather than reacting to it. This individual is comfortable asking direct questions, uncovering real business issues, and determining early whether a distributor opportunity should move forward. They operate with equal business stature, value structure over improvisation, and measure success by qualified outcomes, not activity alone.
We want you to succeed. If you are motivated by creating new opportunities, value structured selling, and thrive in a high-tech, performance-driven environment, we invite you to apply.
Mahr Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

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