BASIC PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE: The primary responsibility is to foster and develop customer relationships to maintain existing book of business and profitability as well as grow the business with both current and new North American and European Customers. The Sales Manager is the focal point for the Customer in terms of any customer satisfaction issue, and thereby provides 2-way communication to the customer and within the company in order to drive resolution. Successful program launches using the Company APQP ISO system which meet customer expectations and deliverable are also driven by the Sales Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assist in developing a four to five-year Sales/Strategic Plan based upon market research, customer feedback, etc.
- Ensures customer contracts meet internal capabilities for delivery, product performance, obsolescence, and price. Communicates these conditions throughout the company and reviews gaps in this area with the assigned accounts.
- Grow Sales with existing customers.
- Grow Sales with new customers and accounts, as agreed.
- Develops action plans for identified targets of opportunity that clearly define objectives, goals with strategies, schedules and action assignments.
- Research, evaluate and identify potential sales opportunities using market trends, customer requirements and product definitions. This includes close interaction with development team to bring to market new products to enhance profitability, sales volume, and competitiveness in the market.
- Support and work with the Customer Program Managers to ensure that barriers to success are identified and removed.
- Successful launch of all customer programs using APQP guidelines.
- Responsible for margin containment and recovery throughout the life of the programs.
- Key interface with the assigned Customer.
- Monitor the implementation and launch of customer programs.
- Participate as a member of sales and provide leadership throughout the organization as a member of the Sales Team.
- Track customer quality issues and drive appropriate resolution as necessary.
- Negotiate pricing with customers at targeted profit levels.
- Provide Voice of the Customer input to the organization which includes customer requirements and expectations as well as the management of any customer satisfaction issues.
- The Sales Manager has the authority to provide customer feedback/input to drive the necessary action plan and resolution.
- Accountability is tied to your section of annual sales plan which is part of a 4-5-year strategic plan. The sales targets and strategic sales plan are developed by the Sales Manager.
- Participates in the Sales Departmental Travel and Expense budget and determines the appropriate travel schedule/customer calls.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
The candidate should be an accomplished, solution-oriented professional with at least 3 to 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in sales, program coordination and management with industry-leading interior supplier companies. Previous experience with OEMs and eCommerce customers is key. Additionally, the ideal candidate should have the following qualifications, education and experience:
- Minimum 4 yr. college degree required, MBA and/or Financial degree is beneficial
- 3-5 years OE automotive experience in Sales, Marketing, and Program Management. eCommerce/retail knowledge is also helpful
- Previous interior component experience preferred
- Strategic planning and budgeting experiences are crucial
- Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Demonstrated experience managing concurrent, moderately complex programs from rough design thru PPAP submission. APQP, VE/VA, DOE, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, Quoting Procedures/Contract Review etc.
- Strong familiarity with IATF 16949 procedures.
- Willing to travel for business up to 50% of the time.
- Office will be based out of the facility working with and supporting the Program Management team when not traveling.
- Financial and negotiation skills required
- Strong leadership qualities. Ability to support and lead team successfully.
- Sales and customer service qualities and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Compensation package:
Experience level:
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Weekends as needed
Education:
Experience:
- Program management: 4 years (Required)
- IATF 16949:2016: 3 years (Required)
- Contract negotiation/RFQs/Quoting: 4 years (Required)
- OEM: 4 years (Required)
- Tier 1 Automotive Supplier: 4 years (Required)
- Budgeting/Forecasting: 4 years (Required)
Language:
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calhoun, GA 30701