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Distributor Development Manager Jobs in Minnesota

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Distributor Development Manager information

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distributor Development Manager, and why are they important?

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.

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.

What are Distributor Development Managers?

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 popular job titles related to Distributor Development Manager jobs in Minnesota? For Distributor Development Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Distributor Development Manager jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Distributor Development Manager job openings:
Market Development Manager

Market Development Manager

L.S. Starrett Company

Waite Park, MN • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Market Development Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and growing new business opportunities while expanding relationships with existing customers and channel partners. This role serves as a key link between customers and the Starrett organization, helping manufacturers improve productivity, quality, and operational performance through the application of Starrett products and solutions.
The Market Development Manager will work closely with end users, distributors, engineering teams, and internal stakeholders to identify opportunities, conduct customer assessments, support solution development, and drive revenue growth across key markets including Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing, Semi-conductor Manufacturing and others.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities while expanding relationships within existing customer accounts.
  • Develop and execute territory and account growth strategies to achieve sales and profitability objectives.
  • Build and maintain a robust pipeline through prospecting, customer engagement, distributor partnerships, referrals, and industry networking.
  • Conduct customer visits, assessments, and discovery meetings to understand operational challenges and identify opportunities for productivity, quality, and process improvements.
  • Deliver product demonstrations, technical presentations, and value-based solutions that address customer needs and support business growth.
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, product management, and other internal stakeholders to develop and implement customer solutions.
  • Build strong relationships with end users, engineers, quality professionals, purchasing teams, operational leaders, and distribution partners.
  • Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and strengthen Starrett's market position.
  • Maintain accurate CRM records, opportunity forecasts, and sales activity reporting while providing regular updates on pipeline health and business development initiatives.
  • Represent Starrett at trade shows, industry events, customer meetings, and professional organizations to promote the company's products, solutions, and value proposition
  • Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • 5-7 years of experience in business development, technical sales, industrial sales, account management, or related commercial roles.
  • Proven ability to develop new business opportunities and grow customer relationships.
  • Strong presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience using CRM systems and managing sales pipelines.
  • Willingness to travel up to 50%.
  • Preferred
  • Experience in manufacturing, metrology, quality assurance, industrial tooling, precision granite, semiconductor, defense, aerospace or advanced manufacturing
  • Familiarity with precision measurement, inspection, calibration or quality system such as ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, and NIST traceability
  • OEM-focused commercial experience
Education Requirements
Minimum 4 Year Bachelors Degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related experience
Years of Experience
Minimum 5+ years of progressive business development or strategic sales experience