Janitorial and Sanitation Sales Representative

SouthernCarlson•Chicago, IL

29d•Onsite

About The Position

At SouthernCarlson, our vision is simple: build strong business relationships, understand our customers’ needs, and deliver solutions that improve both their profitability and ours. WHO WE ARE SouthernCarlson is a national distributor of construction, fastening, industrial, MRO, and janitorial supplies. Founded in 1947, we combine a broad product offering, industry expertise, and hands-on service to keep businesses running. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING This is a field-based, business development–driven sales role focused on janitorial, sanitation, and facility supply customers. You will: Sell janitorial, sanitation, and facility maintenance products and programs to commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Actively prospect new business through cold calling, referrals, and lead follow-up. Manage and grow a book of business by developing long-term customer relationships. Conduct on-site visits to assess customer needs and recommend products, programs, and cost-saving solutions. Close new accounts and expand existing ones through upselling and cross-selling. Coordinate with internal teams to manage orders, deliveries, and resolve account issues. Stay organized while balancing prospecting, customer visits, quoting, and follow-ups to hit sales targets. Maintain strong product knowledge and stay current on industry trends and compliance requirements. This role requires time in the field, not behind a desk.

Requirements

Have 1+ year of sales, business development, or customer-facing experience (janitorial, sanitation, industrial, or distribution experience is a plus).
Are comfortable prospecting and hunting for new business—you don’t wait for leads to come to you.
Understand how facilities operate and can speak confidently with decision-makers.
Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
Take ownership of results and don’t make excuses when things get tough.
Are organized, detail-oriented, and follow through on commitments.
Enjoy solving customer problems and positioning products as solutions—not just selling SKUs.
Hold a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Can meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs regularly and up to 100 lbs occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Sell janitorial, sanitation, and facility maintenance products and programs to commercial, industrial, and institutional customers.
Actively prospect new business through cold calling, referrals, and lead follow-up.
Manage and grow a book of business by developing long-term customer relationships.
Conduct on-site visits to assess customer needs and recommend products, programs, and cost-saving solutions.
Close new accounts and expand existing ones through upselling and cross-selling.
Coordinate with internal teams to manage orders, deliveries, and resolve account issues.
Stay organized while balancing prospecting, customer visits, quoting, and follow-ups to hit sales targets.
Maintain strong product knowledge and stay current on industry trends and compliance requirements.