Position Summary
This role is responsible for strengthening the organization’s market position and delivering scalable, sustainable sales growth. The Director of Sales will prospect and win new business through networking, outbound outreach, and strategic sales efforts; build and lead an internal sales team; and establish the processes, policies, and KPIs needed to support consistent performance.
The ideal candidate brings direct experience selling chassis, suspension, and rubber components to automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers, along with industrial rubber parts experience. The role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, and Finance and requires clear, effective communication with customer contacts across the USA, Mexico, France, Asia, and other parts of Europe.
Essential Functions
- Build, recruit, and develop a high-performing internal sales organization
- Prospect new clients and generate new quotation opportunities
- Develop additional sales channels that support scalable growth
- Identify key decision-makers at target accounts and build long-term relationships
- Lead and manage any external sales representatives
- Create and execute a strategic sales plan that expands the client base, strengthens market position, and supports industry diversification
- Partner with customers to understand evolving needs and strengthen the business relationship
- Monitor market shifts, emerging opportunities, and competitive trends; communicate insights and recommended actions
- Research customer and market needs to position product solutions effectively
- Ensure new-customer prequalification requirements are completed so accounts can be added to sourcing lists
- Coordinate with internal teams to deliver accurate and timely responses to RFQs
- Negotiate and close new business
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve customer satisfaction
- Articulate a clear value proposition based on market, customer, and competitive knowledge
- Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, and conferences and report relevant market intelligence
- Support annual budgeting and strategic planning with detailed sales forecasts
- Establish, track, and report sales KPIs and results
- Lead internal and external customer meetings
- Provide coaching, training, and development plans for the sales team
- Develop and implement required sales policies and processes
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
- Proven experience selling chassis, suspension, and rubber components to automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers, plus industrial rubber components
- Minimum 10 years of B2B sales experience, including at least 5 years in a sales leadership role
- Strong track record of generating new leads, opportunities, and measurable sales growth
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and decision‑making skills
- Ability to travel regularly
- Solid market and industry knowledge
Preferred Experience
- Direct experience with suspension and chassis components
- Recent experience working with Stellantis and their online supplier portals
- Comfortable and effective communicating with customer personnel across the USA, Mexico, France, Asia, and other parts of Europe
Compensation
- Base salary: $145,000 – $165,000 (depending on experience and fit)
- Annual car allowance: $7,500
- Annual performance bonus eligibility: 15% (2027 payout pro-rated based on months employed in 2026)