Key Account Specialist

About Us:

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

Summary:

The Key Account Specialist is responsible for owning and growing relationships at assigned key accounts, driving sales growth, and executing pull-through promotional strategies for Niterra products. Based in the Philadelphia area, this field-based role involves managing all growth activity across one or more key accounts in the region, providing technical product knowledge, cultivating new customers, and collaborating with National and Key Account teams on strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate brings strong automotive aftermarket experience, proven key account management skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced sales environment.

Responsibilities:

• Perform outside sales functions for Niterra products.
• Own the relationships with assigned Key Accounts and grow and maintain them.
• Drive all growth activity at one or more key accounts in the region, including but not limited to sales growth, promotion management, inventory management, training, updating contact lists, and other tasks needed to grow the business.
• Support the National and Key Account Team as necessary with assigned tasks and special projects.
• Work with Management and Headquarters to complete assigned special projects.
• Assume full ownership of the process; work with National, Key Account, and/or Business Intelligence Team to align customer inventory with the marketplace.
• Provide technical knowledge to customers when needed.
• Create, coordinate, and implement promotions and pull-through promotions for the assigned accounts.
• Assist in developing programs that continuously train shop owners, counter persons, and technicians on Niterra products to ensure their technical knowledge is current and they are capable of promoting Niterra products to end users.
• Update WDs, jobbers, stores, and shops when new products or product lines are launched.
• Cultivate new customers, introduce them to Niterra products, and demonstrate the benefits of selling Niterra products.
• Participate in trade shows, including setting up booths, distributing promotional materials, and answering questions concerning Niterra products.
• Complete various reports and other associated paperwork, including monthly forecasts.
• Plan and develop a marketing approach for Key Accounts that creates opportunities to increase sales.
• Provide market data, competitive intel, and other feedback to HQ Sales and Marketing team.
• Perform all other job-related tasks as assigned.
• Business travel up to 60%.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including safety, IATF16949, and J-SOX related policies as applicable.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, continuing education, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket.
• Minimum of 3 years of sales and/or marketing experience.
• Excellent communication skills in writing and verbally.
• Ability to perform business math functions.
• Proven ability to manage Key Accounts with respect to sales volume, profitability, and marketing.
• Effective time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to train others.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Possess a valid state driver's license, proof of insurance, and an acceptable driving record.
• Experience using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to drive a car for extended periods to visit customer locations.
• Able to perform business travel by public transportation.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds (e.g., trade show materials, product samples).
• Good hearing and eyesight (correctable).
• Able to communicate verbally.
• Able to operate a keyboard.

Potential Hazards:

• Normal hazards related to driving.
• Normal hazards related to commercial travel.
• Common hazards associated with working in an office environment.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Niterra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Notice to Staffing Firms:

Niterra does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or other payments related to unsolicited resumes or CVs, except as required by a written contract between Niterra and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee.