Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

Where You’ll Work – Contractor Equipment Division (CED)

The Contractor Equipment Division makes sprayers that apply paint to walls and other structures, with product models for users ranging from do-it-yourself homeowners to professional paint contractors. Contractor equipment also includes sprayers that apply texture to walls and ceilings, highly viscous coatings to roofs, and line markings on roads, parking lots, athletic fields and floors.

The future of CED is bright, with significant investments being made across the business; the division is expanding to accommodate increased demand and growth driven by an investment in new products and innovative ideas. With the global industry ramping up into high gear, CED is positioned to convert contractors accustomed to manually applying paint and other coatings by brush-and-roller to spray technology.

Ready to join us?

The Associate Manager, Category Sales will lead the development and execution of the 1–3-year sales strategy for target categories, possibly including sub-categories. This role involves collaborating closely with category marketing, defining key account targets, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of all division products throughout the assigned category. This role will lead a team to execute a category sales strategy to drive revenue and growth on a domestic basis. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, be hyper-focused on future growth opportunities, have a deep understanding of market dynamics within the assigned category, and a strategic approach to direct end user sales and key account management. 
 

What You Will Do at Graco  

Sales Strategy Development 

• Develop and implements a sales strategy for the category, and any potential sub-categories, within the division to drive revenue growth and market expansion. 

• Ensure the category sales strategy aligns with overall company objectives and market opportunities. 

• Collaborate with category marketing to define and prioritize key account targets, uncovering new markets, applications and growth opportunities. 
• Establish strategies to develop opportunities directly with end user customers, working with appropriate channel partners and channel sales teams as opportunities advance.

• Design and oversee detailed account plans and strategies to achieve revenue goals and expand market share. 

• Develop and deliver sales forecasts, business reviews, and progress reports, ensuring alignment with global sales strategies. 
• Develop and implement regional channel sales strategies to achieve revenue and growth targets.
• Foster relationships with existing channel partners, ensuring they are motivated and capable of achieving sales goals, and find and identify new channel partnerships where needed.

Performance Metrics Communication and Management 

• Define and implement metrics to ensure key account managers are effectively selling and aligning to sales plans.

• Evaluate sales data and performance reports to measure success, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies accordingly. 

• Develop and implement strategies to address performance gaps and enhance overall sales effectiveness. 

Market Research, Analysis and Communication 

• Partner with marketing to conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to understand industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape across the identified category and new market opportunities.  

• Represent the company at industry events and conferences to build relationships and enhance market presence. 

• Provide regular updates to divisional leadership on sales metrics, strategic initiatives, and progress toward goals. 

Team Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, manage and oversee recruitment for a team of key account managers, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 

• Drive team performance by setting clear goals, providing ongoing feedback, and facilitating professional growth opportunities. 

What You Will Bring to Graco  

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.

• 5+ years of proven experience in sales management, with a track record of success in developing and executing category or key account sales strategies. 
• Excellent leadership skills; demonstrated leadership experience preferred. 

• Strong background in key account management, including defining targets, developing strategies, and driving revenue growth. 

• Experience leading and managing sales teams, with a focus on fostering high performance and achieving goals. 

• Proficiency in sales tools, CRM systems, and data analysis. 

• Proficiency in market research, competitive analysis, and strategic planning. 

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with senior leadership and external stakeholders. 

• Ability to travel approximately 80% of the time.

Accelerators 

• Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge. 
• Master’s degree or relevant certification preferred. 

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation.  If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience.  In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees.  Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role.  Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.

$93,800.00 - $164,200.00