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Manager, Lighting Business Development

Graybar · Itasca, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your experience in electrical distribution, lighting or contractor sales, and how it prepares you to manage lighting programs.

What they are checking: Whether their background matches the lighting and distribution experience the posting says the ideal candidate has.

Tell me about a time you changed a market strategy because conditions changed.

What they are checking: Whether they review and adjust plans instead of sticking with a strategy that has stopped working.

Tell me about a presentation you gave to leaders or customers that changed a decision.

What they are checking: Whether their communication and presentation skills actually move people, which this role relies on.

What would you do

A branch manager pushes back on your lighting plan because they think it does not fit their customers. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can influence people they do not manage and blend local insight into the plan.

How would you work with suppliers to grow Graybar's lighting business in this market?

What they are checking: Whether they can build supplier partnerships that support promotions, pricing and growth.

About the work

How would you evaluate the performance of district and branch locations in the lighting market?

What they are checking: Whether they can use sales and margin data to judge branch performance and decide where to focus.

Walk me through how you would support a national lighting promotion from planning to tracking results.

What they are checking: Whether they can help product managers prepare, roll out and measure a national promotion.

How do you decide how much lighting inventory a branch should stock?

What they are checking: Whether they can make stock recommendations that balance product availability with the cost of carrying inventory.

What changes in the lighting market, like LED retrofits, controls or energy codes, matter most right now?

What they are checking: Whether they keep up with lighting trends well enough to adjust strategy as the market shifts.

How have you used SAP and Excel to analyze sales or market data?

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable with SAP and Microsoft Office, which the posting lists as required tools.

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The full job description

As published by Graybar.

Are you ready? As a Manager – Lighting Business Development, you will manage the Company's lighting product and service programs. Our ideal candidate will have Electrical distribution, lighting, project, or contractor sales experience . In this role you will: • Plan, direct, analyze, and coordinate the marketing of the Company for assigned lighting customer market. • Evaluate performance of district and branch locations in market area of responsibility. • Support key Lighting Product Managers in the preparation, implementation, and tracking of national promotions; make recommendations for stock and inventory amounts; facilitate continuous improvement of products and processes. • Continually evaluate market strategy and plans to meet changing market and competitive conditions. What you bring to the table: • 5 years of experience in sales management, branch management, or district marketing experience required; 6+ years of experience preferred • Four-year degree in Business or related major preferred • Strong knowledge of products and sales and marketing plans, supplier products, industry products and service trends, and applicable markets • Proficient in SAP and Microsoft Office • Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills • Organizational and time management skills • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and negotiation skills • Supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to effectively direct teams and achieve results through others • Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate marketing plans • Ability to evaluate customer needs, analyze sales reports and statistics, and develop strategies to improve performance • Occasional travel required Compensation Details: The expected rate of pay for this role starts at $120,000.00 annually, depending on experience. This position is also incentive-eligible, based on meeting specific and relative business metrics. This role requires the use of your personal vehicle for business purposes. Graybar offers a Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) reimbursement program to support eligible drivers. This program allows you to choose and drive your own vehicle, rather than a company-assigned car, and your reimbursements can help you build equity in your vehicle over time. Please note that certain vehicle requirements, such as age and original MSRP, may impact your eligibility for tax-free reimbursement. More information about Graybar's FAVR reimbursement program will be shared upon hire. The Value of Graybar: At Graybar, we are known for our comprehensive benefits and our employee stock ownership plan! Most regular, full-time employees at Graybar may be eligible for a variety of benefits like: • Multiple plan options for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug benefits. • Life Insurance coverage for you and options for your family. • Save on expenses with Flexible Spending Accounts . • Enjoy our Disability Benefits at no cost to you. • Share in our success with P rofit Sharing Plans . • 401(k) Savings Plan with company match to help secure your future. • Paid Vacation & Sick Days to spend time away from work or in case of an illness. • Rest and recharge during our Paid Holidays throughout the year. • Take advantage of our Paid Wellness Day to focus on preventive care and prioritize your health. • Volunteer with Community Time Off to give back to the community. • Predictable Work Schedules to plan your life: no weekends or nights for most roles. • Celebrate your and others' achievements with our Employee Recognition Program . • Reach your career goals with our Educational Reimbursement and Career Development Programs . • And More Perks that support your well-being and career growth. Benefit eligibility may vary across locations and roles, so be sure to check in with your recruiter for more information. Why should you join Graybar? At Graybar, our employees are the heart and soul of our company. We believe that employees with diverse perspectives bring the ideas and innovative thinking we need to solve our biggest challenges and compete in an ever-changing world. Consistent with our values, we welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences into our company because we believe it’s the right thing to do and the right way to run our business. We want each of our employees to know that they matter and to feel a sense of belonging, ownership and inclusion at Graybar. We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and we work to build a collaborative environment where our employees have the opportunity to grow, learn and make a difference, both as individuals and as part of the team. That’s what our employee ownership culture is all about: working as one team and moving forward together, while honoring the unique value each person brings to our company. Apply now and find out what’s next for you. Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled Not the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Introduce Yourself in the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!

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