Market Manager

Gustave A Larson Company•Chicago, IL

6d•$80,000 - $110,000

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Market Manager to lead our HVAC/R distribution business across multiple locations. This role is responsible for driving profitable growth through exceptional leadership, operational excellence, inventory management, and outstanding customer experience. The successful candidate will develop high-performing teams, partner closely with Sales and Operations leadership, and maintain full accountability for market profitability, customer satisfaction, and employee development. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and a passion for developing people while delivering exceptional operational performance.

Requirements

Proven leadership experience managing multiple locations, business units, or branch operations.
Strong customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
Demonstrated success leading sales growth while balancing operational excellence and profitability.
Experience managing budgets, P&L responsibility, inventory, and key operational metrics.
Excellent analytical, financial, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
Ability to develop, motivate, and retain high-performing teams.
Results-driven with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Self-motivated, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement.
Experience using ERP
Leadership experience running a branch, location, or business unit — including full responsibility for a team
A proven track record of growing sales without giving up margin or operational discipline
Budget and P&L ownership, plus command of inventory and operating metrics
Strong analytical and decision-making instincts — you're comfortable in the numbers
Coaching skills that develop people and keep good ones from leaving
Customer-first mindset and the relationship skills to back it up
Comfort working in an ERP system to manage inventory, pricing, and reporting

Nice To Haves

HVAC/R wholesale distribution experience is strongly preferred.
HVAC/R wholesale distribution experience (strongly preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead the daily operations of multiple branch locations, including recruiting, hiring, coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
Provide Sales Leadership to execute strategic initiatives, increase market share, and strengthen customer relationships.
Maintain full ownership of market profitability, including P&L performance, expense management, inventory investment, and operational efficiencies.
Ensure exceptional customer service by creating a culture focused on responsiveness, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Analyze operational and financial performance metrics, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement action plans that maximize profitability and service levels.
Lead inventory management efforts to optimize product availability while maximizing inventory turns, reducing excess inventory, and maintaining healthy service levels.
Recruit top talent and develop comprehensive training programs focused on technical knowledge, leadership development, and professional growth.
Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards while identifying opportunities to improve processes and operational controls.
Prepare and present market performance reports, financial results, operational metrics, and improvement plans to senior leadership.
Profitable results. Full P&L accountability — sales growth, expense control, inventory investment, and operating efficiency for your location.
The team. Recruiting, coaching, performance management, succession planning, and building the bench that runs this branch five years from now.
The customer experience. Set the tone for responsiveness and accuracy, and stay close enough to key contractors that they call you by name.
Sales execution. Partner with Sales leadership to grow share in your territory, win back lapsed accounts, and land the strategic initiatives that move the business.
Inventory. Balance product availability against turns — right stock on the shelf, less dead inventory.
The numbers. Read the operational and financial metrics, find the gaps, build the action plan, and present results and recommendations to senior leadership.
Safe, compliant operations. Uphold policy and safety standards while continuously improving how the work gets done.