The Shooting Wire

Monday, April 13, 2026  ■  Jobs

HeadHunters NW Retained to Lead Confidential Search for Sales Manager at Forward-Thinking American Firearms Manufacturer

HeadHunters NW, the premier executive search firm serving America's most highly regulated industries, has been exclusively retained to conduct a confidential national search for a Sales Manager on behalf of a well-established American firearms products manufacturer. The identity of the client company is being held in confidence at their request, and all candidates will be handled with complete discretion throughout the process.

This is not a company resting on its reputation. The client is a respected, U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance firearm accessories built for the commercial market — the kind of products that serious competitive shooters, precision hunters, and highly discerning civilian customers seek out by name — who is actively investing in the future of their commercial operation. What makes this search particularly compelling is the organization's deliberate commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into their sales and customer service functions. This isn't a company talking about AI; they are building it into the fabric of how they operate, and they want a Sales Manager who can lead that charge alongside their commercial growth strategy.

The Sales Manager will step into a role with real authority and real accountability — leading revenue growth across dealer, distributor, and direct customer channels, while building a high-performance sales and customer service team from the inside out. This person will own the commercial pipeline, drive disciplined follow-through on quoting and account development, and bring the kind of urgency and responsiveness that top-tier customers in this industry expect. This is a full-time, onsite position at the company's offices, and the client has a strong preference for candidates who currently live in or are open to relocating to the Northeast United States. Critically, they will also serve as a champion for AI adoption within the team, leveraging tools like ChatGPT and related platforms as force multipliers to sharpen communication, accelerate analysis, and improve the efficiency of every customer-facing interaction.

The firearms industry is at an inflection point. The companies that will lead the next decade are not just the ones with the best products — they are the ones building smarter commercial infrastructure, deploying technology with intention, and finding leaders who can operate at the intersection of industry expertise and modern business execution. This client understands that. They are looking for a Sales Manager who doesn't just understand the market, but who can help build the systems, habits, and culture that compound over time into a dominant commercial position.

"This search genuinely excites me," said Shaylene Keiner, President of HeadHunters NW. "The client is a quality American manufacturer doing something most companies in this industry are still debating — they're actually building AI into how their team sells and serves customers. The Sales Manager who walks into this role will inherit a strong product foundation and a leadership team that is serious about growing the right way. That combination doesn't come around often."

Because this is a confidential retained search, HeadHunters NW is the sole firm working with the hiring team. All conversations are fully private. No resumes or professional profiles are ever shared without explicit prior permission from the individual. This structure protects candidates who are currently employed and allows the client to engage with a broader, higher-quality pool of talent than a public posting would ever reach. It is the right way to fill a role this important.

Qualified candidates and confidential referrals are encouraged to reach out directly to Shaylene Keiner:

Shaylene Keiner, President — HeadHunters NW

Confidential Email:shaylene@headhuntersnw.com

Private Cell: 503-551-7114

"When you can't afford to fail, you engage HeadHunters NW."

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About HeadHunters NW: The Best Heads for Business

HeadHunters NW is a premier executive search firm specializing in recruiting exceptional leadership talent across Artificial Intelligence & Software, Cybersecurity & Intelligence, Defense & Aerospace, Manufacturing & Automation, and the Small Arms & Shooting Industry. We transform organizations by identifying and securing executives who scale at the pace of your ambitions. Our expertise lies in finding leaders who don't just meet growth targets — they accelerate beyond them, turning challenges into competitive advantages. For more information or to discuss your executive talent needs, visit HeadHunters NW or contact Shaylene Keiner at 503-551-7114.