General Manager (Sales) (Chicago)

BlueLinx Holdings Inc., operating through its wholly owned subsidiary BlueLinx Corporation, is a leading distributor of building products in North America. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and operates its distribution business through its current network of 49 distribution centers. Employing approximately 1,800 people, BlueLinx offers greater than 10,000 products from over 750 suppliers to service approximately 11,500 customers nationwide, including dealers, industrial manufacturers, manufactured housing producers and home improvement retailers. Additional information about BlueLinx can be found on its website at .

Position Purpose Summary :

Responsible for P&L, top line sales, gross margin and all direct costs of an assigned geographical sales and distribution district. May have multiple sales territories and distribution facilities in assigned district. Responsible for all aspects of sales and operations within district (e.g. sales, customer service, logistics / distribution management, inventory, and personnel). Supports and drives sales force effectiveness and key productivity initiatives.

Job Description

• Understands the company’s vision, mission, and strategy; understands business unit objectives and sets/accomplishes individual performance goals accordingly. Models and enforces company values.
• Supports 2 branches that are average in terms of size and profitability among BlueLinx facilities
• Responsible for aligning local market strategy with corporate strategy to maximize long-term profit / return on working capital. Communicates strategy to and plans to entire team.
• Has a thorough understanding of the market and establishes BlueLinx’ visibility in the market. Defines and executes to key metrics for district’s success. Identifies and drives key business development opportunities / new revenue streams.
• Manages all aspects of logistics points in assigned district. Ensures all customer commitments are met and best practices are implemented for safety, safety certification, material handling, inventory management and delivery. Responsible for all aspects of logistics performance / productivity for assigned logistics points. Manages to key metrics and drives out variances
• Manages and develops relationships with key customers in assigned district and determines strategy for value proposition and product penetration. Manages all aspects of customer service and customer satisfaction.
• Maximizes sales efforts by focusing sales employees’ time on largest most profitable opportunities. Responsible for managing sales representatives to improve profitability, product penetration and product mix with all customers. Conducts joint sales calls with sales representatives to identify opportunities and maintain / build customer relationships (including sales representative coaching / mentoring). Deploys resources to maximize results.
• Manages inventory levels (including slow, inactive, liquidations/large buys and damaged inventory flow) and aligns local product mix with local market dynamics and product strategy.
• Varying levels of travel on behalf of the company is part of the requirement for this role.
• Leads team; selects/hires; develops objectives; coaches and evaluates performance. Ensures direct reports obtain applicable training and development opportunities to enhance performance, development, and contributions to the company. Holds direct reports accountable for individual and team performance. Addresses performance issues appropriately and timely.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Strategic planning, negotiation, financial acumen (specifically financial statements), strong analytical skills (both qualitative and quantitative), forecasting, decision making, innovation, change management, persuasiveness and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and teamwork abilities to function well at different levels in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, sense of urgency, problem solving and customer focused.
• Territory management and target marketing skills.
• Extensive product knowledge, consultative and relationship selling skills.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Software and relevant sales systems technology.
• Years of experience: 10+ years of experience in related field preferred; 8+ years with MS/MA/MBA.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.