Fisher Barton is seeking a strategic and commercially focused
Sales Director to lead the organization's sales function within the Zenith Cutter® Industrial Knife business. This role provides enterprise-level sales leadership, direction, and execution support to the Chief Commercial Officer while helping advance the "One Fisher Barton" centralized sales and organizational approach. The Sales Director will oversee territory sales, inside sales, and customer service teams; drive profitable growth across target markets; strengthen customer relationships; and help position Fisher Barton as a trusted solutions partner rather than a commodity product seller.
Executive Scope- Provide strategic leadership for territory sales, business development, inside sales, and customer service teams, with accountability for performance, revenue growth, profitability, and customer experience.
- Partner with the Chief Commercial Officer, business unit leaders, business development, key account teams, marketing, operations, and cross-functional partners to execute growth strategies and deliver sales and profit objectives.
- Lead the transformation of the sales organization into a high-performing, data-driven, accountable team aligned to Fisher Barton's enterprise sales strategy.
- Develop and guide annual strategic and tactical sales plans, including target market identification, customer segmentation, cross-selling, team-selling, and new business development initiatives.
- Strengthen Fisher Barton's market presence by advancing the company's position as a trusted solution partner for engineered products and value-added customer solutions.
- Own sales reporting, forecasting, CRM discipline, KPIs, performance measurement, and executive-level presentations to support informed business decisions.
- Establish, document, and improve sales processes, standard operating procedures, and continuous improvement practices that increase effectiveness across the sales organization.
- Coach, mentor, and develop direct reports while ensuring clear goals, timely performance feedback, talent accountability, and alignment with company policies and core values.
- Support resolution of escalated customer issues with professionalism, urgency, and cross-functional collaboration.
- May maintain responsibility for assigned strategic accounts, territories, or special sales initiatives as business needs require.
Key Leadership Priorities- Understand market, customer, and competitor dynamics and convert insights into practical growth strategies for priority market verticals.
- Align Territory Sales Managers, Business Development Managers, Inside Sales Representatives, and Customer Service teams around business objectives, customer needs, sales execution, and measurable outcomes.
- Build disciplined sales operating rhythms, including accurate monthly and annual forecasts, pipeline visibility, CRM adoption, and sales performance reviews.
- Collaborate with marketing to support customer messaging, lead generation, market positioning, and sales plan execution.
- Promote employee participation, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the sales organization.
The above statements describe the general nature of the role and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Responsibilities and impact may cross technical fields, business units, and functions.
Ideal Candidate Profile- Strategic, growth-oriented, and passionate about sales leadership.
- Analytical, commercially minded, and effective at solving complex customer and business challenges.
- A strong leader who builds accountability, develops talent, and creates high-performing teams.
- An effective communicator, listener, coach, and motivator who can influence all levels of the organization.
- Collaborative and relationship-driven, with the ability to build trust internally and externally.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree or 10+ years of field sales experience selling products to OEM and/or aftermarket customers.
- 5+ years of experience leading inside and outside sales teams, with demonstrated success developing sales talent and driving team performance.
- Experience developing sales strategies, pricing approaches, incentive plans, channel programs, and marketing communications in support of business growth.
- Experience working with global customers, distribution channels, and cross-functional business partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Experience using a CRM platform to manage pipeline, forecasting, reporting, and customer activity.
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience working with engineered metal products for industries such as Agriculture, Turf, Forestry, Construction, Recycling, Converting, Corrugated, Food Processing and Transportation.
- Experience developing global aftermarkets and distribution sales channels and strategies.
Travel Required- ~25% Monthly - Locally, Regionally, Nationally
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Location5200 Zenith Parkway, Loves Park, IL
