National Sales Manager - Lawn & Garden Division

Solo Incorporated is a manufacturer and importer of sprayers, mist blowers, air blowers, and cut-off saws.  We have been in business for over 75 years and in Newport News for 50+ years.  We distribute our products into the home hardware, lawn & garden, janitorial supply, and construction industries.  Solo is a world-wide company with offices in Virginia, Germany, New Zealand, South and Central America, and China.  

Job Summary – The Lawn and Garden Accounts Manager is responsible for the development and performance of all sales activities in the Lawn and Garden Distributor markets.  This goal is to expand customer base and increase sales with a focus on Lawn & Garden Distributors across the US and Canada.

Responsibilities:

 ·        Provides product knowledge to distributors and dealers to increase sprayer and accessory purchases.

 ·        Makes customer and dealer sales calls to offer expert advice and purchasing support to meet their needs.

 ·        Participates in sales meetings, trade shows and other sales functions as assigned.  Implements approved sales and marketing programs to promote SOLO products to distributor and dealers.

 ·        Assists in the development of sales plan for the assigned market to obtain company sales goals and profitability.

 ·         Submits a monthly travel expense plan.  Include purpose and expected outcome of travel.

 ·         Manage and direct a network of Independent Sales Representatives to increase sales.

 ·         Provide monthly sales report which contains sales month-to-date and year-to-date, existing distributor activity and new distributor prospects.

 ·         Prepares special promotions to include merchandizing and organizing products and processing orders

 ·         Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

·         Proven ability to sell with knowledge of Lawn and Garden Industry.

·         Strong public speaking skills – ability to present and sell to large groups and work collaboratively.

·         Mathematical ability to use percentages, ratios, averages and medians to calculate and interpret data.

·         Ability to manage and process data for use by self or others using word processing spreadsheets.

·         Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written.

·         Ability to plan and schedule events over the course of several months.  Regular review and coordination of activities, which are required for implementation.

·         Ability to work well with others

·         Critical thinker to drive sales performance.

·         Ability to build relationships for repeat customers.

·         Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suites

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years sales experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements:

This individual must be able read reports and use computer.

Must be able to communicate with others by means of spoken words. Major portions of the work day require this activity.

Must be able to sit for moderate periods of time.

Must be able to maintain mobility for extended periods.  Major portions of the workday require this activity.

Occasional periods of climbing/reaching. 

Occasional bending/stooping or kneeling to demonstrate products.

Must be able to use hands and fingers to demonstrate products. 

Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in an office setting. 

This position frequently works outside the office at tradeshows, and distributor locations. This position is expected to travel at least 8 times a year.

Limited exposure to moving mechanical parts