Primary location: Chicago, Illinois
Relocation offered: No
Employment status: Full-Time
Travel: >50%
Non-compete: Yes
Location: Work from home position located in Chicago, Illinois

The estimated base salary range for this role is $90,000 to $120,000 per year.
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors (salary may be adjusted based on geographic location)

As a MRO Sales Manager focused on the MRO channel, you will be the go-to expert for Armstrong World Industries' ceiling solutions, driving growth through strategic collaboration with Grainger's sales teams. Your mission is to empower Grainger sellers, deliver exceptional value to shared customers, and position Armstrong as the preferred ceiling solution provider across all key verticals including Commercial, Manufacturing, Government and Healthcare.

This role is ideal for a customer-obsessed sales specialist with deep MRO industry knowledge, a strong understanding of Grainger's go-to-market strategy, and a passion for enabling distributor success. You will report directly to the MRO Sales Manager.

What's in it for you!

• Make a visible impact on sales growth and customer success.
• Partner with industry-leading organizations and decision-makers.
• Expand your network across multiple industries and market segments.

What You'll Do

• Drive Growth Through Partnership: Execute Armstrong's sales strategy within a multi-state territory by building strong, trust-based relationships with Grainger Sales Leadership and Account Managers. Align on shared goals and execute joint business plans that drive revenue, margin, and market share.
• Enable Grainger Sellers: Serve as a category expert and trusted advisor, delivering impactful product training, sales enablement tools, and technical support to help Grainger teams confidently position Armstrong solutions.
• Deliver Customer-Centric Solutions: Collaborate with Grainger to identify and close new business opportunities, by uncovering customer needs and delivering tailored ceiling replacement and upgrade solutions.
• Execute with Excellence: Own territory performance and deliver results aligned with Armstrong's KPIs-product promotions, pricing, gross margin, and market share-while managing expenses within policy.
• Leverage Data to Drive Action: Use customer COGS data, Salesforce insights, and internal reporting to identify trends, optimize performance, and uncover new opportunities.
• Create Demand at the Facility Level: Partner with Grainger Account Managers to conduct facility assessments, identify ceiling replacement needs, and develop compelling findings reports that drive pull-through demand.
• Promote Accountability and Follow-Through: Implement structured follow-up strategies to ensure execution of recommended upgrades and track progress toward sales goals.
• Champion the Customer Experience: Understand the unique challenges of each facility and deliver solutions that improve aesthetics, acoustics, and performance-enhancing the environments where people work, heal, and learn.

What will make you successful

• Proven success in channel sales, preferably with Grainger or other MRO distributors
• Deep understanding of MRO industry dynamics and facility maintenance needs
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Experience using Salesforce.com and leveraging data to drive decisions
• Ability to travel up to 60% within assigned territory: MT, WY,ND,SD,NE,MN,IA,WI,IL

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 3-5 years' Outside Sales Experience - preferred.
• 5+ years' Customer facing role - preferred.
• 3-5 years' experience MRO/Distribution industry with an industry leading organization- preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and travel to customer locations, manufacturing facilities, and job sites.
• Ability to navigate active plant environments or construction/job sites, which may include uneven surfaces, stairs, ladders, and varying environmental conditions.
• May be required to lift and carry materials, samples, or equipment (generally up to 25 pounds).
• Ability to operate assigned company car for extended periods as part of travel within the assigned territory.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for computer work, presentations, and handling product samples.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and virtually, and to visually inspect project and site conditions.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance and manage travel demands consistent with business needs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in a combination of environments, including:
• Home office or corporate office settings
• Customer offices and design firms
• Manufacturing plants and warehouses
• Construction or active job sites
• Exposure to noise, dust, temperature variations, and moving equipment may occur during plant or job site visits.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when entering manufacturing or job site environments, based on location specific requirements.
• Regular travel is required, which may include daytime and occasional overnight travel within the assigned territory.

Driver's License Requirement

• Must possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license and be eligible to drive for business purposes in accordance with company policies and applicable laws

About the location (Lancaster PA)

Lancaster, PA. A great central location in South Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster is ideally situated for easy access to major metropolitan cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York City. Lancaster offers a vibrant arts and entertainment community with wonderful historic sites, B&Bs, museums, great shopping, entertainment venues and restaurants.

Come and build your future with us and apply today!

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