National Sales Manager

Our client, Nature Planet, seeks a skilled National Sales Manager to cultivate and expand strategic relationships within their thriving, purpose‑led organization.  At Nature Planet, they believe that doing the right thing is always the right thing to do. Their founding aspirations and continued purpose are to have a positive impact on society, the environment, the industry, and the people with whom they do business. Nature Planet is a global leader in plush toys and merchandise for the attraction, gift, and souvenir industries. Founded in Denmark in 2005, it has built its success and strong reputation on a value proposition centered on sustainability/ESG, strong customer service, and digitalization. It recently acquired three US-based companies to deliver on its ambitious growth strategy. For more info and inspiration, visit Natureplanet.com.

About the Position

As National Sales Manager, you will lead the growth of Nature Planet’s presence across the souvenir channel by partnering with souvenir retailers and independent gift stores, and by managing internal sales teams and regional rep groups across the nation. You will collaborate with product development and merchandising teams to shape category strategies and build compelling, solution-oriented assortments tailored to the needs of these unique channels. To excel in this role, you’ll bring experience in souvenirs or gift‑centric sales, strong business development capabilities, and a successful history managing rep groups and brokers. You embrace collaboration, value different perspectives, and thrive in a diverse, multicultural environment. This role reports to the CEO at Nature Planet’s HQ in Atlanta, GA.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing sales strategies to meet or exceed company sales goals
• Lead a national sales team including Area Managers and Inside Sales Representatives
• Setting sales targets for regional and national teams and monitoring performance metrics
• Recruiting, hiring, and training sales personnel, ensuring ongoing professional development
• Analyzing market trends and customer feedback to identify growth opportunities and optimize sales approaches
• Maintaining relationships with key customers and regional rep group principals
• Collaborating with product development, marketing, customer service, and other departments to ensure seamless operations and alignment with company objectives
• Preparing and presenting sales reports to senior executives, including forecasts and performance analyses
• Attending industry events and trade shows to stay informed on market developments and best practices

What We Expect from You

Your Work Experience, Education & Skills

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is preferred
• 7 years of sales/account management experience with regional/national retailers
• 5 years of business development experience
• 5 years of experience handling regional rep groups
• Experience in a CPG retail sales environment (toy, gift, home industries preferred)
• Knowledge of custom or private label programs
• Structured and detailed sales approach with a strong understanding of sales and reporting metrics
• Comfortable working in a small team, hands-on business environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Best-in-class leadership skills with a strong history of managing and empowering small teams
• Data-driven skillset with ability to use systems to initiate action (Power BI, Business Central ERP, Excel)
• Experience with Market Time beneficial

What We Offer Is More Than Just a Job…

• An excellent team-focused work environment with huge visibility for your efforts
• An opportunity to join a truly innovative and fast-growing international company
• Competitive compensation package and benefits.