Midwest Groundcovers · 1 month ago
Inside Sales Manager
Saint Charles, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$80K/yr - $85K/yr
5+ years expMidwest Groundcovers LLC is a leader in the Green Industry, specializing in the propagation of wholesale plants. The Inside Sales Manager will lead a high-performing Inside Sales team, collaborating closely with various departments to enhance customer experience and streamline sales processes using advanced technology and data-driven strategies.
Home and GardenLandscapingWholesale
Responsibilities
Lead Inside Sales strategies, goals, and metrics that support overall company sales and customer experience goals
Utilize Rhythm Systems to track KPIs and goals
Use KPI’s to spot trends and adjust plans, staffing, and seasonal workload to meet budget and revenue targets
Oversee new customer onboarding to ensure clean account setup, documentation, and a smooth start
Mentor and coach 7-10 Inside Sales team members to build a high-performing, customer-focused department
Provide regular feedback and development plans that support career growth and succession planning
Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-training
Partner day-to-day with Outside Sales, Production, Inventory, Logistics, and Marketing to read inventory accurately, troubleshoot order and shipping issues, and make it easy for customers to get the right plants, on time
Proactively identify and resolve process bottlenecks that impact multiple departments and the customer experience
Partner closely with Sales leadership to align on account strategies, pricing programs, and service standards
Ensure Inside Sales provides responsive, knowledgeable support for key accounts and seasonal initiatives
Use customer and team feedback to reinforce existing programs, policies, and procedures, helping the team apply them consistently in day-to-day work
Lead the use of Business Central, Microsoft 365, and AI tools to build efficient, scalable workflows for Inside Sales
Collaborate with Sales Operations Specialist to design, test, and implement new reports, dashboards, and automations that improve visibility and decision-making
Champion data accuracy and standard processes for quotes, orders, and customer records to support reliable reporting and analysis
Stay current on emerging technologies and recommend practical, high-impact solutions that improve productivity and the customer experience
Qualification
Required
Proven ability to lead and mentor a department-level team while managing day-to-day operations, KPIs, and long-term goals
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Outlook, Teams) and ERP/CRM systems such as Business Central, with a strong aptitude for leveraging data and technology to improve workflows
Solid understanding of seasonal sales cycles, perishable inventory, and horticultural products, with experience collaborating across Sales, Production, and Operations preferred
Bachelor's degree in business, Horticulture, or related field. Combination of education and experience considered
5–7 years of experience in inside sales, customer service, or related sales roles, preferably in wholesale, distribution, or the green industry
3+ years of experience leading or managing a sales or customer service team, with responsibility for performance, coaching/mentoring, and process improvement
Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and hold a department-level team accountable to shared goals
Customer Focus: Dedicated to delivering an easy, professional customer experience while balancing service, capacity, and company priorities
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works effectively with Outside Sales and key departments to support clean order entry and smooth fulfillment
Organization & Planning: Strong at prioritizing, delegating, and managing multiple initiatives and deadlines across seasons
Communication & Influence: Clear, confident communicator who can represent Inside Sales with customers, peers, and leadership and gain alignment
Data & Technology Orientation: Comfortable using Business Central, Microsoft 365, and AI-driven tools to interpret data, improve workflows, and support decision-making
Adaptability & Change Leadership: Thrives in a fast-paced, seasonal environment and helps the team navigate change with stability and focus
Preferred
Solid understanding of seasonal sales cycles, perishable inventory, and horticultural products, with experience collaborating across Sales, Production, and Operations preferred
Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision insurance options
Employer paid life and short term disability insurance
401k
Paid time off and paid holidays
Employee discounts
Company
Midwest Groundcovers
Midwest Groundcovers is a wholesale nursery that offers Shrubs, Grasses, plants including a landscape architect, designs & a green rooftop.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Paul Pirkle, MBA
President & COO
Company data provided by crunchbase