Regional Sales Manager - South Central

LOCATION:

Regional territory that extends across the South Central U.S., encompassing the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. It is preferred that the selected candidate is familiar with, and is currently living within this region, nearby a regional or national airport.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

The role will report direct to the Vice President, Sales & Marketing. The selected candidate will manage and serve as a "strategic partner" and solutions provider to established and potential future Knapheide customers in the region. Functional backup is provided by a strong internal sales, marketing, and organizational support team.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibility is for sales, market and account development for both truck equipment distribution and major light-duty commercial truck dealers based in the region. Additional accountability for serving as a contributor in assisting the National Fleet Sales team in acquiring business from large fleet customers, as well as supporting Knapheide Truck Equipment Center sales and marketing initiatives.

Candidates must offer a track record of sustaining customer loyalty and satisfaction as a solutions provider resulting in market and revenue growth. The finalist will be assigned a well-established group of distribution partners in the region, and will be motivated by the rewards of capturing revenue growth and enhanced profitability. This involves representing the full range of company products to customers, leading the customer account planning cycle, and ensuring assigned customers' needs and expectations are met by the company. In addition to the above, the selected individual will also do the following:

• Manages the region with the accountability and commitment of an owner.
  
  
  • Make sales and consultative calls on distributors and key commercial truck dealers, with call frequency determined by business potential.
  • Maintains strong relationships with distribution partners.
  • Participates in joint sales calls with distributors on key end-users in the market.
  
  
• Builds trust based on value-added, consultative selling methods utilizing the recognized Knapheide brand, product quality, and unsurpassed customer service.
• Evaluate the overall market for additional sales and distribution opportunities as needed to grow overall market share and brand presence with OEM dealers, end users, municipalities, and governments.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES, cont'd:

• Reviews product sales channels and recommends adding or changing distributors.
• Coordinates business plan development with distribution partners, including objectives and commitment of resources by both the distributor and Knapheide.
• Participates in trade shows, open houses and special OEM and end-user events.
• Contributes to executive management through providing input on competitive developments in the market and with distribution partners.
  
  
  • Provides strategic input based on established market knowledge and intelligence.
  • Participates in/contributes to the development and execution of pricing and marketing strategies.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Four-year college degree is required. Candidates should have at least ten years' experience in field sales involving equipment such as capital products sold through distribution. Further expectations in candidates include:

• Demonstrated background in building customer relationships and presenting organized sales plans at the distributor, dealer or similar level.
• Proven background in, and commitment to value selling rather than price selling.
• Self-confidence and the ability to influence others, with professional "presence" and exceptional communications skills.
• Orientation as a "self-starter" with unquestioned integrity and receptive to a fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization.
• A willingness to take initiative, a highly flexible approach to the workplace, and a strong work ethic are characteristics of those having significant success in this company.
• Working knowledge of CRM systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the internet.
• Candidates should be receptive to travel expectations that approximate 60% or more within the region.

COMPENSATION:

Competitive base salary, attractive bonus/incentive program, 401k plan, plus company car and expenses.