Regional Business Manager (Southeast) in West Chicago, Illinois at BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

The Regional Business Manager is responsible for driving sales growth, profitability, and market share within an assigned region. This role provides leadership and strategic direction to the regional sales team, develops strong customer relationships, manages key accounts, and ensures execution of business objectives aligned with Ball Seed's overall sales strategy. The Regional Business Manager serves as a key partner to customers, sales representatives, and internal stakeholders while fostering a high-performing sales organization with customer success in mind.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

• Accountable for achieving regional sales, margin, and market share growth objectives.
• Lead territory management efforts for all Ball Seed Sales Representatives within the region, ensuring alignment with company goals and strategic initiatives.
• Manage and develop relationships with key accounts throughout the region.
• Monitor and oversee regional pricing strategies and profitability to maximize sales performance and margin objectives.
• Develop, manage, and maintain the regional operating budget.
• Evaluate market potential within each territory and work with sales representatives to develop and execute territory-specific growth plans.
• Implement and support Ball Seed strategic initiatives and business plans throughout the region.
• Lead the regional business team and collaborate closely with the Regional Supply Manager, Strategic Pricing Manager, Regional Credit Manager, Customer Service team, and other internal stakeholders.
• Drive effective communication across the regional team to support sales representatives, customers, and business objectives.
• Coach, mentor, and develop sales representatives to maximize performance and customer engagement.
• Lead annual Business Reviews and Team-Up meetings for each territory to evaluate performance, identify opportunities, and establish strategic priorities.
• Ensure consistent execution of territory plans, account plans, and sales strategies across the region.
• Align sales activities and customer engagement efforts with territory objectives, key account plans, and overall regional business goals.
• Maintain knowledge of national and regional retail programs and market trends impacting customers and the industry.
• Actively participate in the planning and execution of regional customer and industry events, including customer open houses, Ball Universities, trade shows, university programs, and grower events.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and develop new sales representatives.
• Manage territory transitions, succession planning, and onboarding activities related to new or retiring sales representatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus within the sales organization.

• Minimum of 5 years of proven sales management and leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of the ornamental horticulture industry and related market dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to develop sales strategies, manage territories, and drive profitable growth.
• Experience managing key customer relationships and leading account development initiatives.
• Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to analyze sales performance, market opportunities, and profitability metrics.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence business decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CRM or sales management tools.
• Ability to travel approximately 30%–40% of the time.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 75% of the workday.
• Ability to walk for up to 20% of the workday.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for up to 100% of the workday.
• Ability to reach for up to 10% of the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. for up to 10% of the workday.
• Ability to travel approximately 30%–40% of the time.

Salary Range: $140k-$180K

Our promise to you

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance

• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan

• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays

• Tuition assistance

• An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and restored natural areas

• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs