Now Hiring - HAIX Group - North America Forestry Category Manager in Lexington, KY

Full description of the position

THE COMPANY Who We Are: Tradition and Innovation HAIX is a family-owned footwear manufacturer trusted by thousands of firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, law enforcement officers, foresters and arborists, safety workers and more. We hand-craft over 1 million pairs of shoes annually and we are proud to sell them to dealers, distributors, and directly to individuals around the globe. Our US office was established in 2003 and serves the United States and Canada. Our mission has always been to make the best specialized footwear on the market. Period. We offer the industry's most innovative and thoughtfully designed products. We aim to create protective, comfortable footwear at a good price-to-performance ratio--boots that stand up to years of use under the most rigorous conditions. The safety of our customers is our top priority. THE ROLE The North America Forestry Category Manager is responsible for driving sales and business development for HAIX North America Inc. within the forestry sector. This role focuses on expanding market presence for HAIX's high- performance boots, managing dealer relationships, identifying new growth opportunities, and positioning HAIX as a trusted footwear provider in the forestry industry. The North America ForestryCategory Manager reports to the Senior Vice President, Vice President, and Director of Sales; primarily reporting to the Director of Sales for day-to-day operations. THE JOB Sales & Lead Generation * Develop and execute a strategic sales plan targeting forestry professionals, contractors, government agencies, and industry suppliers. * Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers and proactively identify and convert new sales opportunities. * Establish and support a robust dealer network; provide training, guidance, and tools to drive performance. * Lead weartest programs with key forestry accounts and manage feedback implementation. * Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to inform territory strategy and product positioning. Territory & Account Management * Plan and execute weekly customer visits (target of 8 per week); submit visit reports within 5 business days. * Monitor and manage dealer inventory levels, special product needs, and pricing agreements. * Track monthly sales performance and contribute to annual forecasts for the forestry segment. * Collaborate with Distribution and HQ (Germany) on order processing and fulfillment needs. Marketing & Business Development * Represent HAIX at regional and national forestry trade shows, industry events, and Association meetings (where applicable). * Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and distribute targeted content (blogs, newsletters, email campaigns, product reviews), and increase brand awareness through social media, dealer promotions, and participation in online webinars and forestry forums. * Serve as a HAIX ambassador and thought leader in the forestry community. Planning & Administration * Manage travel, tradeshow participation, and promotional budgets for the territory. * Coordinate with the marketing and sales teams on advertising initiatives, dealer tools, and product education. * Ensure full compliance with HAIX brand standards in personal appearance, vehicle branding, and marketing materials THE SKILLS NEEDED * Proven track record in dealer B2B and end-user sales, ideally within the forestry, outdoor, or PPE industries. * Strong understanding of the forestry industry's operational needs, safety requirements, and buying behaviors. * Excellent communication, organizational, and presentation skills. * Ability to work independently while contributing to a broader sales team. * Must be willing to travel very frequently (80-90% travel) within United States and Canada. * Passion for high-performance products and a commitment to representing a premium brand. * B.S. in Forestry, Forest Resources, Natural Resources - Forestry Concentration, Forest Management, Forest Operations or Forest Engineering (preferred but not required) THE PERKS HAIX is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits packages, an outstanding company environment that fosters growth, education & development and a product and mission you can confidently stand behind. Comprehensive Health Benefits Stay healthy and covered with our competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and Life Insurance and AD&D. Retirement Savings Plan for your future with our 401(k) program. Paid Time Off Work-life balance is key! Enjoy paid vacation, sick days, and holidays to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones. Training and Development Interested in developing your skills and working to take your next step in your career? HAIX offers an outstanding team environment that fosters growth, education & personal development opportunities that will grow with you! Expected salary range from $80,000 to $100,000 annually.