Director Custom Sales

Description

We are seeking a strategic and technically adept Custom Sales Director to lead the expansion of our business into new markets by leveraging our core manufacturing capabilities-metal fabrication, laminated wood, powder coating, and assembly. While our roots are in the office furniture space, this role is pivotal in diversifying our customer base and driving growth in adjacent and emerging industries as part of LDI family.

This is a high-impact role with significant visibility and the potential to evolve as the business scales. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in engineering-driven technical sales, with the ability to identify new opportunities, build long-term customer relationships, and influence internal investment decisions to meet evolving market demands.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Sales Strategy

• Identify, pursue and close new custom sales opportunities across diverse industries (e.g., industrial, healthcare, food service, retail, transportation, etc.).
• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to achieve revenue and margin targets.
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline from lead generation through contract negotiation and closing.
• Identify and recruit key sales and sales operations talent to support business growth and scalability.
• Establish the optimal sales structure and support model, including internal resources and external rep groups-to drive efficiency and market coverage.

Technical Sales Leadership and Collaboration

• Leverage a strong understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes to develop tailored solutions for customers.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and operations teams to translate customer requirements into manufacturable and cost-effective products.
• Serve as a technical advisor to customers, helping them navigate design, feasibility, and production considerations.
• Partner with engineering, operations, and finance teams to develop customized solutions and pricing strategies.

Customer & Channel Management

• Cultivate strong relationships with key decision-makers at prospective and existing clients, leveraging existing LDI relationships.
• Manage and develop independent rep groups to ensure alignment with business goals, performance expectations, and technical training.
• Serve as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring product and service alignment with client needs.

Market Intelligence & Innovation

• Conduct market research to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive positioning.
• Recommend new equipment, technologies, or process improvements to enhance capabilities and meet customer requirements.

Reporting & Forecasting

• Provide regular sales forecasts, performance reports, and strategic updates to senior leadership.
• Track KPIs and adjust strategies to ensure continuous improvement and goal attainment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in OEM or custom technical sales, preferably in manufacturing or industrial sectors.
• Proven track record of developing new business and achieving sales targets.
• Strong technical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with clients and attend industry events.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting base salary range for this position is $177,490 - $221,862 per year plus eligibility in annual bonus program. The compensation posted is the anticipated pay for the position at the time of the posting. We may pay above or below posted amount based on several factors, including, but not limited to education and/or certifications, skills, experience, or work location. Some positions may qualify for additional compensation in the form of bonuses or deferred compensation options.

At LDI, we are pleased to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options; paid time off; 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plus company matching and annual discretionary profit sharing; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services. Eligibility in benefit programs is based on hours worked per week.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day to accomplish tasks
• Manual and finger dexterity used regularly with some repetitive finger motions
• Ability to work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time
• Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision; able to identify colors, small letters, and numbers; hand/eye coordination, depth perception and able to adjust focus
• Hearing and speaking
• Other conditions may include frequent reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, pinching, grasping, and gripping

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota,Liberty Diversified International (LDI)is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, California, and Mexico. With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics and building products.

Since 1918, our values - Caring, Innovation,Trust and Excellence - have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees are aligned with these values, we create superior service and solutions for our customers. The LDI family of companies includesLiberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics (Custom SolutionsandQuarrix Building Products) and Safco.

Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.