Sales Manager Director Jobs in Romeoville, IL (NOW HIRING)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Cook's Direct is looking for a Sales Manager who is as passionate about developing people as they are about driving results. You won't just manage a sales org; you'll shape it. That means setting a high-performance culture, rallying the team around a shared vision, and turning individual potential into collective wins. If you get fired up watching your team grow and succeed, this role was built for you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Execute a comprehensive sales strategy aligned with Cook’s Direct’s growth objectives and market position

• Set the direction for the sales organization, defining priorities, territory structure, and go-to-market approach

• Drive accountability across the sales and sales support team to meet and exceed annual revenue targets.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop a high-performing team of sales managers and representatives

• Lead, manage, and hold the team accountable through clear expectations, regular one-on-ones, and performance reviews

• Build a culture of coaching and continuous improvement — developing talent at every level of the sales organization

• Oversee succession planning and talent development to ensure long-term organizational strength

Revenue & Performance Management

• Establish sales quotas by territory, segment, and individual rep — and track performance against them

• Manage the sales budget, including expense oversight and sales-to-budget reporting

• Deliver accurate forecasting and pipeline reporting to the executive team on a regular cadence

• Analyze sales data and metrics to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring intervention

Client Relationships & Market Development

• Maintain and grow relationships with key strategic accounts, partners, and institutional clients

• Identify new market opportunities in correctional, educational, and institutional foodservice sectors

• Monitor competitive landscape and market trends, translating insights into actionable strategy

• Represent Cook’s Direct at industry events, trade shows, and with senior client stakeholders

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing to align lead generation, messaging, and campaign execution with sales priorities

• Collaborate with Operations, Purchasing, and Customer Experience to ensure smooth order fulfillment and client satisfaction

• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field; or equivalent experience

• 5+ years of progressive B2B sales experience, including 3+ years in a sales leadership role

• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing sales teams and exceeding revenue targets

• Experience setting and executing against revenue targets and growth goals

• Strong coaching and mentoring skills with a people-first leadership style

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or Microsoft Dynamics) and sales analytics tools

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft 365 suite

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience in foodservice equipment, institutional supply, or correctional/educational markets

• Background in distribution, quote-driven, or long-cycle B2B sales environments

• Familiarity with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and the LMA (Lead, Manage, Accountability) framework

• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or a similar ERP platform

• Experience using AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other generative AI tools for communication, analysis, and workflow efficiency

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

• Visionary — sees the big picture and translates strategy into clear direction for the team

• Leader — sets high standards, holds people accountable, and leads with confidence and integrity

• Results-driven — energized by targets, owns outcomes, and finds a way to win

• Coach — develops people and builds a culture where the team grows and performs at its best

• Analytical — uses data to make decisions, spot trends, and drive the right behaviors

• Collaborative — builds strong relationships across the organization and brings people together around shared goals

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays

• 401(k) plan

• Professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cook’s Direct, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

To apply, visit cooksdirect.com/careers