Vertical Supply Group

Job Specifications

Workplace

Remote

Published

a month ago

Type

Full Time

Career Level

Mid Level

College Degree

Bachelor's Degree

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Vertical Supply Group

Business Development Manager - Industrial

Business Development Manager - Industrial

Vertical Supply Group is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager / Manufacturer's Representative to accelerate the growth of our premium brands within the Industrial Distribution market across North America. This is NOT a traditional outside sales position. Success in this role requires someone who understands how large industrial distributors operate—from corporate leadership to branch operations—and knows how to create demand, influence specifications, and help distributor partners win business. The ideal candidate is a relationship builder who thrives in complex selling environments, understands long sales cycles, and can connect end-user opportunities with distributor partners to drive sustainable growth. You will represent a portfolio of industry-leading brands in industrial safety, rope, rigging, lifting, and work-at-height solutions while serving as the primary advocate for Vertical Supply Group throughout the industrial distribution channel.

 Key Responsibilities: 

Channel Growth Strategy  

  • Develop and execute a strategic plan to grow Vertical
    Supply Group's presence within the Industrial Distribution channel.     
  • Identify and prioritize target distributors, corporate
    accounts, and strategic growth opportunities throughout North America.     
  • Develop multi-year growth strategies with key
    distributor partners.     

  

Distributor Relationship Management  

  • Build relationships at every level of distributor
    organizations, including:     
  • Corporate leadership 
  • Category managers 
  • Regional management 
  • Branch leadership 
  • Outside sales teams 
  • Product specialists 
  • Become a trusted advisor to distributor partners
    through consistent engagement and value creation.     
  • Conduct regular business reviews and develop joint
    growth plans.     

  

Demand Creation & Market Development  

  • Work alongside distributor sales teams to identify,
    develop, and close end-user opportunities.     
  • Create pull-through demand by supporting major end
    users, contractors, utilities, industrial manufacturers, and safety
    professionals.     
  • Assist distributor representatives with product
    demonstrations, technical support, customer visits, and training.     
  • Influence specifications and product selection to
    position Vertical Supply Group brands for success.     

  

Sales & Business Development  

  • Identify and pursue new distributor partnerships where
    strategic.     
  • Expand existing distributor relationships by
    increasing product penetration and share of wallet.     
  • Manage long-term sales opportunities through the
    entire sales cycle.     
  • Support contract opportunities, national account
    initiatives, and strategic projects.     

  

Training & Brand Representation  

  • Deliver product training to distributor personnel and
    end users.     
  • Represent Vertical Supply Group at industry trade
    shows, distributor meetings, sales events, and customer demonstrations.     
  • Serve as the market expert for our portfolio of
    premium brands.     

  

Cross-Functional Collaboration  

  • Work closely with Marketing, Product Management,
    Customer Service, Operations, and Sales Leadership to execute channel
    strategies.     
  • Provide market intelligence, competitive insights, and
    customer feedback.     
  • Maintain accurate opportunity and activity reporting
    within the CRM system.      

Requirements

 Qualifications 

Required Experience:  

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in channel sales,
    manufacturer's representation, industrial distribution, or related B2B
    sales.     
  • Demonstrated success selling through large industrial
    distributors such as Motion Industries, Applied Industrial Technologies,
    Fastenal, Grainger, MSC, Core & Main, or similar organizations.     
  • Strong understanding of how industrial distributors
    operate, including corporate and branch-level decision making.     
  • Proven ability to build relationships across multiple
    organizational levels.     
  • Experience managing long sales cycles and complex
    selling environments.     
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to develop
    strategic account plans.     

  

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Experience representing industrial safety, PPE, rope,
    rigging, lifting, fall protection, or work-at-height products.     
  • Existing relationships within the Industrial
    Distribution channel.     
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related
    field preferred.     

  

The ideal candidate is:  

  • A self-starter who thrives with autonomy. 
  • Highly motivated, competitive, and results oriented. 
  • Comfortable opening new doors and building long-term
    partnerships.     
  • Skilled at influencing without direct authority. 
  • Organized with strong planning and follow-through. 
  • An excellent communicator and relationship builder. 
  • Curious, coachable, and continuously learning. 
  • Passionate about representing premium brands and
    delivering value to customers.     

  

Travel Requirements  

  • Approximately 40–50% travel throughout North America. 
  • Overnight travel required. 
  • Occasional attendance at trade shows, customer
    meetings, and corporate events.     

  

Physical Requirements: This position requires frequent travel and regular
use of a computer, telephone, and presentation equipment. The employee may
occasionally lift product samples or display materials weighing up to 50
pounds. Frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking, and use of hands for
computer and presentation activities is required.