1

Distributor Manager Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Distributor Business Mgr

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$500K/yr

Act as a liaison between client's strategic goals and the distributor's needs. Manage a territory with volume size of over $500k annually. Achieve assigned KPIs, manage, oversee, and coach daily ...

Distributor Business Mgr

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$500K/yr

Act as a liaison between client's strategic goals and the distributor's needs. Manage a territory with volume size of over $500k annually. Achieve assigned KPIs, manage, oversee, and coach daily ...

Territory Manager

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Build and maintain strong relationships with key distributor partners and end users while serving ... Experience developing and managing monthly and annual sales forecasts. * Strong written, verbal ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Distributor Manager information

What is a distributor manager?

Distributor Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the distribution of products from manufacturers to retailers or end customers. Their main duties include managing relationships with distributors, ensuring efficient supply chain operations, monitoring inventory levels, and developing strategies to expand market reach. They work to optimize sales, resolve distribution issues, and track performance metrics. Distributor Managers often collaborate with sales, logistics, and marketing teams to ensure that products reach the intended markets efficiently.

How does a distributor manager typically collaborate with sales and logistics teams to ensure smooth product distribution?

A Distributor Manager works closely with sales teams to align distribution strategies with sales targets, ensuring that products reach the right markets on time. They also coordinate with logistics teams to manage inventory levels, optimize delivery routes, and resolve any shipping issues promptly. Regular meetings and clear communication between these departments are essential to address challenges such as supply chain disruptions or changing customer demands. This collaborative approach helps maintain efficient operations and high customer satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Distributor Manager, you need expertise in supply chain management, sales strategy, and inventory control, usually supported by a degree in business or logistics. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, CRM platforms, and data analytics tools is typically required. Strong negotiation, leadership, and relationship-building skills help drive distributor performance and align teams toward common goals. These competencies ensure efficient distribution operations, maximize sales, and maintain strong partnerships within the supply chain.

What is the difference between Distributor Manager vs Sales Representative?

AspectDistributor ManagerSales Representative
Required CredentialsExperience in distribution, industry-specific knowledge, sometimes management certificationsSales training, industry knowledge, sometimes certifications in sales or product knowledge
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, warehouse visits, distributor meetingsCustomer sites, retail locations, client meetings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, wholesalers, distribution companiesRetailers, direct sales firms, manufacturers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding distribution management roles, career pathsSales roles, product promotion, client interaction

The Distributor Manager oversees distribution channels, manages distributor relationships, and ensures product delivery efficiency. In contrast, a Sales Representative focuses on selling products directly to customers or clients. While both roles require industry knowledge and communication skills, the Distributor Manager has a broader managerial scope within distribution networks, whereas the Sales Representative emphasizes direct sales and customer engagement.

How much do distributor managers make in the US?

Distributor managers in the US typically earn an average salary between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits, with higher earnings possible in larger companies or with specialized skills such as supply chain management or sales expertise.

What job categories do people searching Distributor Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Distributor Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

Infographic showing various Distributor Manager job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Distribution Experience Manager

EquiTrust Financial Services

West Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manages the administration and governance of distribution hierarchies, commission structures, and sales programs.

  • Provides leadership and support to team members responsible for analytics, reporting, and program administration.

  • Partners with Sales leaders to develop, implement, and oversee distribution management policies and sales program enhancements.


Job description

About Us:
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Position Summary:
Theย Distribution Experience Managerย is responsible for management, development, control and oversight of a team of Sales and Marketing professionals. This position works closely with members of the Sales and Marketing team and performs both a leadership and management function. The Distribution Experience Managerย is expected to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that is consistent with EquiTrustโ€™s Company Values of Integrity, Leadership, Accountability, Teamwork and Passion.

The Manager of Distribution Experience leads EquiTrust's governance of distribution hierarchies, commission structures, commission assignments, distribution business succession rules, marketing organization guidelines, sales programs, and white-glove service initiatives. This manager serves as business owner for distribution management functionality within the Companyโ€™s distribution management system and leads the team responsible for governance, analytics, program administration, exception management, and continuous improvement. This role owns the strategy, design, administration, and evolution of distribution management and sales programs.

What You'll Do:

  • Team Leadership and People Management:
    • Manages employees, including but not limited to the following activities: makes recommendations for hiring, termination, promotions and transfers, assessing and completing performance appraisals, responsibility allocations and task completion, problem identification and resolution and other day-to-day people management and leadership responsibilities.
    • Provides leadership, guidance, and support to team members responsible for analytics, reporting, program administration, and operational execution
    • Fosters a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-oriented team environment aligned with EquiTrustโ€™s Core Values
    • Ensures team resources, workloads, and priorities are effectively managed to meet departmental and Company objectives
  • Duties and Responsibilities:
    • Partners with Sales leaders to provide the strategy, design, administration, and evolution of distribution management policies and sales programs.
    • Manages the administration of sales programs, enhancements, and operational updates.
    • Establishes and maintains distribution governance policies, rules, and standards related to hierarchies, commissions, assignment of commissions, distribution business succession planning, marketing organizations, and Financial Institution distribution firms.
    • Reviews and approves hierarchy changes, commission level modifications, succession arrangements, and exception requests in partnership with Sales leadership.
    • Monitors production levels, compensation thresholds, and distribution performance metrics impacting commission tiers, bonuses, and program eligibility.
    • Serves as business owner for distribution management system functionality, defining requirements and prioritizing enhancements.
    • Develops white-glove service models and partners with Business Administration teams on execution.
    • Leads cross-functional coordination related to program implementation, enhancements, communications, and operational support.
    • Provides leadership with ad hoc analyses and data presentations for strategic planning.
    • Supports the Sales and Marketing team and/or other departments on an as-needed basis.
    • Willingly takes on additional responsibilities as requested in order to accomplish department and Company objectives.

    What You'll Bring:
    Education:

    • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance or a related field required.

    Experience:

    • A minimum of 5 years of sales analytics, compensation, sales operations, program management or financial services experience required.
    • Experience in the independent (non-captive) marketing organization distribution channel.
    • Minimum 1 year experience in a manager or supervisor role required.
    • Experience in financial institution (banks and broker dealers) distribution channel preferred.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    • Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
    • Understanding of independent distribution models, compensation structures, and related financial and related calculation methodologies.
    • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
    • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills are required, including a high degree of professionalism.
    • Focuses on customer experience.
    • Helps to create an environment of openness and trust for all employees and strives for continued professional skills development.

    Where Youโ€™ll Work:ย 

    • West Des Moines, IA
    • Expected Travel: Infrequent travel (less than 5% of the time).

    Total Rewards:
    In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary incentive bonus and access to a competitive benefits package including:ย 

    • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage:
    • 401(k) with Company Match
    • Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
    • Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
    • Hybrid/Remote Work Options
    • Early Friday Closure

    EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visit EquiTrust Careers.ย 

    #LI-AO1ย 

    #LI-Hybrid