Sales & Service Manager, Turf Care Equipment

Description

About Us:

Smith Turf & Irrigation is the leading distributor and retailer in the golf, grounds and landscaping industry. We offer a comprehensive selection of equipment, irrigation and landscape products and support our customers with technical expertise and service. 

Since 1925, Smith Turf has built an unmatched reputation for outstanding customer care, service and support across North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. STI is a family-owned business that believes in working as a team and fosters a family-oriented culture. 

Position Overview:

The TCE Sales & Service Manager leads profitable sales growth, market share expansion, and sales execution for Smith Turf & Irrigation's Turf Care Equipment portfolio of Outdoor Power Equipment product lines and services across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

· This position reports to the Director of Landscape & Grounds and serves as the senior TCE sales leader for the company.

· The role leads regional TCE sales strategy, supplier planning, service coordination, forecasting, inventory planning, and customer development.

· This position directly manages TCE Outside Sales Account Executives and works with Lead Branch Managers and branch service teams to align sales activity, equipment support, and customer experience.

Sales, Supplier & Product Leadership:

· Develop and execute a multi-state TCE sales strategy aligned with company growth objectives.

· Lead annual sales planning by supplier and product category, including forecasts, gross profit targets, market share goals, and promotional plans.

· Drive sales, margin, pricing, rebate, and market share performance across the region.

· Lead supplier program reviews, booking decisions, and product selection with branch leadership and outside sales teams.

· Build and maintain supplier and manufacturer relationships that support growth, service expectations, and issue resolution.

· Evaluate new products and line extensions to strengthen the company's equipment offering and market position.

· Stay current on product changes, market trends, and competitive activity, and represent the company at industry events and trade associations.

Team Leadership & Sales Accountability:

· Lead, coach, and develop TCE Account Executives across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee

· Conduct ride-a longs, performance reviews, and coaching sessions to improve accountability, sales execution, and customer engagement

· Ensure disciplined use of CRM and Simon Connect for activity tracking, pipeline management, forecasting, and reporting

· Monitor weekly activity, monthly forecasts, and pipeline accuracy to support decisions and resource planning

· Deliver quarterly performance updates and strategic sales reviews to the Director of Landscape & Grounds

Service, Demo & Equipment Support Leadership:

· Coordinate with branch service operations on standards, pricing, promotions, supplier requirements, and equipment support for the products the company sells

· Work with Lead Branch Managers and service teams to improve responsiveness, equipment up time, and customer satisfaction

· Partner with supplier representatives and internal stakeholders to resolve escalated service issues, including coordination with service trainers, the warranty administrator, branch teams, and customers

· Coordinate demo readiness, service scheduling, warranty resolution, rental equipment oversight, and trade-in equipment management with branch leadership.

Inventory, Merchandising & Operational Planning:

· Align inventory with sales demand through accurate forecasting, booking plans, and promotional strategies within company inventory guidelines

· Monitor turns, sell-through, excess inventory, backorders, and shrink, and take corrective action with management and purchasing

· Review aging and obsolete inventory and lead markdown or clearance plans that support cash flow and inventory turns

· Participate in regional inventory planning and equipment stocking discussions

· Work with marketing and operations training teams on store merchandising initiatives that support sales plans

Customer & Market Development:

· Build relationships with landscape contractors, sports field and grounds customers, municipalities, institutions, and other commercial accounts

· Drive business development in landscape professional, sports field, and grounds markets while supporting cross-selling with the golf segment and LPG businesses

· Participate in customer training events, equipment demonstrations, association meetings, and market development events

· Deliver product presentations that support customer relationships and market presence

· Track state contract bids and related administrative requirements that support public sector opportunities

Key Performance Expectations:

· Develop high-performing TCE Account Executives through coaching and performance management

· Achieve year-over-year growth in TCE sales and gross profit

· Increase market share in core equipment categories across the four-state region

· Improve coordination among sales, branch operations, and service support functions

· Deliver accurate forecasts, consistent reporting, and disciplined inventory alignment

Strengthening supplier relationships, promotional execution, and product mix management 

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Smith Turf & Irrigation is seeking an individual that is self-motivated, driven, organized and professional. This individual is seeking an opportunity for growth. Success should be familiar to this individual. The skills and experience we seek in this individual are:

· 7+ years of progressive sales leadership experience in outdoor power equipment or related distribution industry

· Strong knowledge of landscape equipment products and contractor customers’ needs

· Proven ability to drive profitable growth and manage margins

· Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, and PowerPoint

· Ability to travel extensively throughout NC, SC, VA and TN

Preferred Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in business management or related field

· Multi-state sales management experience strongly preferred

Skills & Attributes:

· Excellent interpersonal skills, presentation, and negotiation skills

· Strong analysis and forecasting skills

· Professional appearance and strong customer service orientation

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

· Regular travel by vehicle; frequent on-site visits and outdoor demonstrations

· Ability to lift up to 75lbs occasionally and participate in equipment demonstrations and walkarounds

· Flexible schedule including occasional evenings or weekends for events and customer needs

Benefits:

· Competitive Compensation

· Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance

· Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

· 401(k) with Company Match

· Employee Referral Program

· Opportunity of Advancement

· Paid Training and Certifications 

· Free Counseling Services- EAP

· Product Discounts

STI is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. All employment decisions at STI including those relating to hiring, promotion, transfers, benefits, compensation, placement, and termination will be made without regard to race, color, national origin, genetic information, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, age, veteran status, uniform service, pregnancy, disability, or any other factor protected by applicable law.