What are the responsibilities and job description for the VMI Sales Representative position at John Henry Foster Company?
We're a 100% employee-owned company looking for a driven sales professional to grow our Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) business across an assigned territory. This is a true sales role: base salary plus commission, with earning potential tied directly to the business you bring in and the accounts you grow. If you're motivated by hitting targets, building relationships, and controlling your own paycheck, this is your seat. Does this sound like you?
We're looking for a highly motivated, career-minded sales representative to own a territory of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) accounts. You'll be responsible for expanding existing customer relationships, closing new business, and managing inventory replenishment programs for pneumatic and hydraulic products.
Job Duties
- Drive new business development: identify, pursue, and close new accounts and VMI opportunities within your territory.
- Grow existing accounts by uncovering additional needs and upselling non-VMI products.
- Own your sales pipeline: use the ERP system to track opportunities, generate quotes, analyze sales trends, and manage lead-generation activity.
- Partner with the outside sales team to expand account penetration and deliver a seamless customer experience.
- Solve customer problems proactively, using it as a lever to deepen the relationship and uncover more business.
- Manage an efficient routing schedule to service accounts and replenish inventory, coordinating with vendors on delivery timing.
- Keep your van and inventory organized and accurate, resolving discrepancies quickly to protect customer trust.
- Stay sharp through ongoing product and technical training to sell more effectively.
- Take on additional projects as needed to support territory growth.
Requirements
- 3 to 5 years of sales experience (industrial distribution, VMI, or related field preferred) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A track record of growing accounts or hitting sales targets. Comfortable being measured on results.
- Strong prioritization and time management skills; able to work independently and manage a territory without daily supervision.
- Sharp attention to detail balanced with a sales mindset: you know how to move fast without dropping the ball.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Basic computer application knowledge.
- A natural relationship-builder who can earn trust with vendors and customers alike.
Position Location: Central Illinois (Decatur, Springfield, Effingham)
About John Henry Foster
John Henry Foster Company is a full-line fluid power distributor with territories covering parts of Missouri, Illinois & Kansas and is the Midwest leader in fluid power sales. We've been serving our customers for over 80 years. John Henry Foster is dedicated to ensuring our employee-owners achieve their career goals, with a culture that fosters both personal and professional growth. Visit www.jhf.com to learn more.
John Henry Foster Company is a full-line fluid power distributor with territories covering parts of Missouri, Illinois & Kansas and is the Midwest leader in fluid power sales. We've been serving our customers for over 80 years. John Henry Foster is dedicated to ensuring our employee-owners achieve their career goals, with a culture that fosters both personal and professional growth. Visit www.jhf.com to learn more.
Pay & Benefits Package
This is a long-term, career-growth oriented sales role. Compensation includes a base salary plus uncapped commission, giving you direct control over your earning potential as you grow your territory. We also offer:
This is a long-term, career-growth oriented sales role. Compensation includes a base salary plus uncapped commission, giving you direct control over your earning potential as you grow your territory. We also offer:
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, HSA, and FSA plans starting on day one.
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
- 401(k) with company contribution/match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.