Sales Manager - Fire Sprinkler

Ryan Fireprotection • Cincinnati, OH

4d

About The Position

The Sales Manager leads and develops a team of Sales Engineers (Estimators) pursuing new fire sprinkler project opportunities and building relationships with general contractors and owner-direct customers. The role oversees the bid pipeline, estimate and proposal accuracy, capture rates, margin performance, and handoff of sold projects to operations. The Sales Manager helps shape bidding strategy, mentors estimating staff, and supports growth of the fire protection contract sales function.

Responsibilities include leading and coaching a team of 2–4 Sales Engineers; setting performance goals; conducting one-on-ones, reviews, and development planning; and fostering collaboration across departments. The Sales Manager sets bidding priorities, reviews the pipeline, analyzes win/loss data, approves bid/no-bid decisions, and advises on pricing strategy. They review estimates for accuracy, code compliance, and competitiveness; ensure proposals and award paperwork are complete and accurate; lead bid reviews; and support project handoffs and operations with pricing questions, change orders, and conflict resolution. The role also maintains key contractor and owner relationships, supports customer-facing meetings and negotiations, and identifies new market opportunities and target accounts.

Candidates must have a valid driver's license and may need to drive to job sites or work locations. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a background check, and an MVR check will be conducted as part of hiring.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in estimating, sales engineering, or contract sales within the fire protection industry.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing fire protection estimates and proposals.
• Prior leadership experience or evidence of readiness to lead a team, formally or informally.
• Working knowledge of fire protection codes, materials, equipment, and subcontractor markets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, error-free proposals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet bid deadlines, and solve problems under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of personalities, internally and with customers.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license; ability to drive to job sites or work locations may be required.
• Successful completion of a background check; an MVR check will be conducted as part of hiring.

Nice To Haves

• NICET certification or equivalent fire protection industry credentials.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 2–4 Sales Engineers, coaching them on estimating practices, customer engagement, and proposal quality.
• Set individual and team goals tied to bid volume, capture rates, margin targets, and customer relationship growth.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and skills development planning.
• Foster effective collaboration across departments.
• Establish bidding priorities based on capture rates, margin opportunities, customer relationships, and operational capacity.
• Regularly review the bid pipeline and focus resources on high-value opportunities.
• Monitor win/loss data and adjust strategies to improve hit rates and profitability.
• Approve bid/no-bid decisions and guide pricing strategy for complex or high-value projects.
• Review Sales Engineer estimates for accuracy, code compliance, and economic competitiveness.
• Ensure estimates account for project specifications, special equipment and materials, subcontractors, and rental pricing.
• Lead bid reviews with the department head and ensure team members have organized, complete documentation.
• Verify proposals meet bid document requirements and are clear, concise, complete, and free of errors or contradictions.
• Ensure job award paperwork is completed accurately and on time, and prepare for turnover meetings with operations.
• Confirm scope of work, conditions, expectations, opportunities, and payment terms are clearly defined at handoff.
• Support operations with pricing questions, change order strategy, and conflict resolution on sold projects.
• Maintain and grow direct relationships with key general contractors and project owners.
• Support Sales Engineers in customer meetings, negotiations, and conflict resolution.
• Identify new market opportunities and target accounts to expand the customer base.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager