Strategic Sales Leader

STRATEGIC SALES LEADER

Location: Remote (U.S.) with regular travel

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE

St. Louis Music (SLM) is one of the nation's leading distributors of world-class musical instruments and accessories, from Alvarez guitars and the Recording King and The Loar fretted lines to Blessing band instruments, Knilling orchestral strings, P. Mauriat saxophones, and Dixon drums and percussion.

As we sharpen how we go to market, we are building a new specialized field sales organization and are looking for a Strategic Sales Leader to build and lead it. This is the senior leadership role at the center of that transformation.

You will stand up two focused sales teams, one for Combo and one for Band & Orchestra, supported by a shared Drums & Percussion specialist, and you will own the rollout. This is a rare opportunity to shape a sales organization from the ground up and lead it through execution.

This role is ideal for an experienced sales leader who is equally comfortable building strategy and rolling up their sleeves, someone who can win in the field, develop a team, and operate with the trust of senior leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Leadership & Strategy

Own SLM's sales strategy across segments, translating goals into clear plans and targetsLead the rollout of the new two-team specialist structure, sequencing hires and coverage so the transition strengthens, never disrupts, dealer relationshipsSet and manage goals for each territory and hold the sales team accountablePartner with senior leadership, brand managers, and marketing to align sales execution with brand strategy and new product launchesTeam Building & Development

Recruit, hire, and onboard territory reps and business development managersCoach, mentor, and develop the sales team, building a culture of accountability, product expertise, and dealer-first serviceLead, support, and set direction for the Business Development ManagersEstablish an onboarding, training, and performance-management rhythm for the sales teamDealer & Channel Growth

Drive dealer acquisition and sell-through across the U.S., with particular focus on under-penetrated regions and product linesOwn and grow strategic national accounts, partnering with BDMs on key relationships and negotiationsRepresent SLM and its brands with dealers, at trade shows, and at industry events as a senior ambassador for the companyGather and act on market intelligence, including competition, pricing, and trends, to keep SLM aheadExecution & Operations

Establish disciplined pipeline management, forecasting, and reporting through SalesforceProvide regular performance reporting and sales forecasts to senior leadershipManage the sales team's travel and expense budgets responsiblyWHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Must-Haves

Proven success leading and growing an outside/field B2B sales organization, ideally in wholesale distribution or the music products industryExperience building or restructuring a sales team, including hiring, coaching, and developing both reps and managersStrong command of the retail landscape, including independent stores, chains, and eCommerce channelsTrack record of setting and achieving revenue, margin, and coverage targetsExcellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skillsComfortable operating both strategically and hands-on in the fieldWillingness and ability to travel across the U.S., with frequent visits to our St. Louis headquartersProficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPointNice-to-Haves

Genuine passion for music and familiarity with musical instruments; playing is a plusExisting relationships within the music retail or musical instrument distribution marketFamiliarity with industry trade shows such as The NAMM Show, TMEA, and The Midwest ClinicEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experienceSeveral years of progressive B2B sales experience, including sales management or leadership experience (music products or wholesale distribution preferred)WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

This is the role that