Sales Manager – Protein Distribution
Location: Chicago area / Northern IL & Southeastern WI
Compensation: Base salary of $120K–$150K + commission + bonus (based on experience and education)

What This Role Is About
We’re looking for a hands-on Sales Manager to lead a team of inside sales professionals focused on selling protein products to restaurants across the Chicago region.

This isn’t a player-coach role, it’s fully management-focused. Your main job is leading the team: setting the tone, solving daily issues, coaching performance, and establishing structure. The team has talent, but it needs leadership, someone to raise the bar, hold people accountable, and create consistency.

Why This Role Stands Out

·       Full benefits and a healthy culture of autonomy and results

·       Inherited team with solid talent—most reps are profitable and motivated

·       Leadership support and investment in tools and tech (ERP, CRM, etc.)

·       Visibility and impact—work closely with executive leadership

·       Long-standing client relationships and a solid product offering in a competitive space

What You’ll Be Doing

·       Manage and support a team of 10 inside sales reps, including coaching, development, and performance oversight

·       Work closely with strong performers to keep them on track and growing

·       Address issues with underperformers directly setting expectations and driving accountability

·       Build credibility through follow-through, clear communication, and steady leadership

·       Maintain daily contact with reps and keep sales activity focused and measurable

·       Lead weekly sales meetings, track KPIs, and support reps through the details

·       Collaborate with cross-functional departments including operations, customer service, and leadership to remove roadblocks and improve processes

·       Help reinforce a positive team culture through active engagement and consistency this team wants a leader who’s in it with them

·       Support newer reps like our up-and-comer from sports sales who’s eager, driven, and building accounts the right way

Requirements:

·       BA/BS in Business, Sales, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent experience

·       7+ years of experience in food sales, ideally within proteins or food distribution to restaurants

·       Previous management or team leadership experience: this role is all about guiding people

·       A clear communicator who can provide direct feedback, follow through, and adapt on the fly

·       Comfortable working in a fast-moving, changing environment where priorities shift

·       Strong organizational skills: you’ll need to juggle multiple reps, systems, and situations at once

·       A steady hand: this team needs someone who won’t flinch when problems pop up

About Us:
We’re a trusted supplier of quality protein products to restaurants, caterers, and specialty food retailers. Our model is built on long-term relationships, steady service, and providing value in a competitive space. As our company continues to evolve and grow, we’re looking for leaders who can help move the team forward without losing sight of the people doing the work.