The Opportunity An established custom plastics manufacturer is seeking an experienced Regional Sales Manager to accelerate profitable growth across the Midwest. This is a visible, market-facing role for a technically credible business developer who can open doors, qualify the right opportunities, and lead complex pursuits from first conversation through business award. The Regional Sales Manager will operate as an individual contributor while providing direction and accountability to independent manufacturers' representatives. The role is supported by engineering, estimating, program management, operations, customer service, and marketing resources across a multi-site manufacturing platform. Core Responsibilities New Business Development Identify, qualify, and secure new OEM customers and strategic programs throughout the Midwest. Build relationships with engineering, purchasing, supply chain, operations, and executive decision-makers. Generate opportunities through targeted prospecting, industry relationships, referrals, trade events, marketing programs, and representative activity. Position the company around technical problem-solving, manufacturing breadth, value-added capability, quality, and responsive execution. Lead opportunities from initial discovery through RFQ, pricing strategy, negotiation, award, and transition to program management. Territory and Pipeline Leadership Create and execute an annual Midwest territory plan with clear target accounts, vertical priorities, activity standards, pipeline goals, and revenue objectives. Maintain accurate CRM data, opportunity stages, next actions, quotation status, and forecasts. Communicate market intelligence, competitor activity, customer risk, and resource requirements to commercial and executive leadership. Use win/loss feedback and pipeline analytics to improve targeting, qualification, and conversion. Representative Network Recruit, coach, evaluate, and manage independent representatives across the assigned territory. Establish clear expectations for prospecting, account development, opportunity reporting, and customer engagement. Conduct regular pipeline reviews, joint customer calls, and territory-planning sessions. Recommend changes to coverage or representation where performance does not support the growth plan. Cross-Functional Execution Translate customer requirements into clear internal priorities for engineering, estimating, operations, and program management. Coordinate plant visits, technical reviews, design-for-manufacturing discussions, and commercial presentations. Ensure timely follow-up, disciplined handoffs, and a professional customer experience throughout the sales cycle. Candidate Profile Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. At least five years of successful B2B technical sales experience with demonstrated new-business development results. Experience selling engineered products, custom manufacturing services, or other technically complex solutions. Plastic injection molding experience is strongly preferred. Experience working with or managing independent manufacturers' representatives. Strong prospecting, qualification, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-development skills. Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively across multiple departments and manufacturing locations. CRM proficiency, forecast discipline, a valid driver's license, and ability to travel approximately 50% or more. First-Year Priorities Establish a focused territory strategy and a credible target-account plan. Build a healthy pipeline of technically and commercially qualified opportunities. Increase meaningful customer meetings, plant visits, RFQs, and strategic-account penetration. Improve representative engagement, activity visibility, and market coverage. Secure profitable new OEM programs aligned with company capability and growth objectives. Deliver reliable CRM information and forecasts that support capacity and resource planning.

Pay:

From $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Where in the Midwest are you located?

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in South Bend, IN 46628