Sales & General Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a Sales & General Manager to lead the day-to-day operations and long-term growth of a locally owned retail lumber yard and home center serving a small northern Minnesota community. The business is a small/mid size and has a team of 10 employees.

This role is responsible for overseeing the overall performance of the business, with the main emphasis on developing and managing and expanding the current sales team, maintaining strong customer relationships, and helping guide the company’s strategic direction.

The current owner has been fulfilling this role and will remain partially active, but is looking to transition the leadership and operational and sales management responsibilities to a qualified professional who wants to commit to the business for the long term (7 years).

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys small-town business leadership, team development, and hands-on sales involvement.

Key Responsibilities Sales Leadership

• Manage and mentor a team of currently 4 sales professionals to improve performance, accountability, and customer service, add and train sales staff as required.
• Participate in direct sales activities, including contractor relationships, large orders, and project support.
• Develop sales strategies to grow revenue in retail, contractor, and project segments.
• Establish and track sales goals, margins, and performance metrics.
• Train and develop sales staff on product knowledge, estimating, and customer service.

Business Management

• Oversee the overall operations of the business, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
• Work with the owner to develop and implement growth strategies and annual goals.
• Monitor financial performance including sales, gross margin, expenses, and inventory management.
• Ensure excellent customer service standards across the business.

Team Leadership

• Supervise the Yard Manager, who manages the team of 4 yard employees.
• Coordinate with bookkeeping staff on invoicing, accounts receivable, and administrative functions.
• Foster a positive, accountable team culture focused on service and reliability.
• Assist with hiring, training, and performance management when needed.

Operational Oversight

• Coordinate communication between sales, yard operations, and administration.
• Maintain organized inventory management and vendor relationships.
• Ensure the store and yard operate efficiently and safely.

Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• Experience in lumber, building materials, construction supply, or home improvement retail
• Prior sales management or general management experience
• Strong understanding of contractor sales and project-based materials
• Experience leading small teams in a hands-on environment

Skills & Traits

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Customer-focused mindset
• Comfortable balancing management responsibilities with personal sales
• Ability to work in a small business environment where flexibility and initiative matter
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Organized and financially aware

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be someone who:

• Wants to become deeply involved in a community-focused business
• Is motivated to build and lead a strong sales culture
• Enjoys both strategy and hands-on work
• Is looking for a long-term leadership role (7 year horizon)
• Takes pride in growing a small business and developing people

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to the Owner
• Oversees and grows Sales Team ( currently 4 employees)
• Supervises Yard Manager (who manages 4 yard employees)
• Works alongside Bookkeeping/Administrative Staff

What This Role Offers

• Leadership role in a stable, locally respected business
• Opportunity to shape the future growth of the company
• A hands-on management position where your decisions matter
• Long-term career opportunity in a community-centered company

Compensation

• Commensurate with experience, including salary, sales incentives, and benefits.

Benefits:

• 401(k) 6% Match
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person