Sales Specialist

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision, promotes and sells the organization's products and services within an assigned geographic area, product range, or list of customer accounts to meet or exceed sales targets. Pursues sales leads; visits existing and new customers; assesses customer needs and suggests appropriate products and services; responds to customer inquiries; negotiates prices and delivery times within limits of authority; and concludes sales orders to meet revenue targets. Identifies, researches, and contacts prospective customers and builds positive relationships that will generate future sales and repeat business. Refers sales leads, customer feedback, and information on competitor activity to appropriate contacts within the organization so that they can respond to changing market conditions and customer demands. Establishes annual, quarterly, monthly, or weekly sales plans and prioritizes and schedules own activities so these targets are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as a liaison between customers, plants and affiliate personnel to coordinate and resolve commercial and business related issues. Coordinates pre-production activities including processing orders, quoting pricing, developing new product schedules, coordinating tooling, ensuring part readiness, etc. Assists with program timing and related activities including design changes, build out of vehicle, part number changes, obsolescence claims and packaging approvals. May lead improvement activities with the plants regarding delivery performance.
• Interacts with and acts as a liaison between customers, DENSO plants, affiliates and DNJP regarding customer requirements and capacity issues. Works with production control as needed. Coordinates production parts approval process (PPAP) schedule and ensures launch preparedness by managing late design changes and ensuring plants meet delivery targets.
• Follows up and assists in resolving accounts receivable related issues. Ensure accuracy and completion
• of all related paperwork (purchase orders, airfreight bills, etc.)
• Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external customers to address and resolve daily issues, gather information, focus on customer and competitor trends and relay pertinent information back to management.
• Completes, maintains and ensures adherence to policy, contract and related information as outlined in DIAM standards processes.
• Implements customer/product based strategies, as directed by management. May gather and summarize information related to customers, competitors, business and market environment in order to identify and plan for current and future business opportunities. Maintains related information and completes variance analysis. May assist in developing sales plans for existing customers and in identifying potential and/or future business opportunities. • Works closely with quality engineering in supporting and resolving quality related issues.
• Works closely with materials management, production control and plant personnel in product phaseout activities. Works to ensure no obsolescence.
• Assists in cost analysis, tracking and coordination activities as required. Assists plants in investigating value-added (VA) opportunities and obtaining customer approval of process and design changes related to cost saving efforts. Monitors and tracks previously identified value-added (VA) opportunities and profitability related information. May assist with updating and reviewing annual percentage rate (APR) parts lists.
• Assists in negotiating internally and externally regarding pricing, costs and timing. Assists in negotiating pricing and cost reductions with DENSO plants and DNJP on behalf of the customer. Negotiates directly with the customers on cost-related issues. Negotiates internally with plants on the timing of parts releases.
• May assist in compiling, preparing and reviewing request for quotation (RFQ) materials and related information. Follows up on, summarizes and ensures the adherence to internal processes and procedures. Ensures plants and manufacturing contacts are appraised of quotations and may explain pricing, tooling price and approved pricing strategy to the customer.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or related field
• 0-3 years of relevant experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• In-depth knowledge of the internet and explorer applications to retrieve and post data and research information
• Written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills. Ability to communicate with internal and external customers on issues of moderate to considerable importance, up to and including senior management.
• Customer service skills. Ability to promote and support a service-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills • Analytical skills with an ability to gather and analyze data
• Negotiation skills. Ability to defend position strongly while keenly aware of the need to maximize benefits for all sides.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
• 401K with 4% Company Match
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays
• Bonus Program
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

Annual Salary: $68,000 - $85,000

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for BMW and Volvo accounts, fostering strong relationships.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve and surpass business targets.
• Collaborate with DENSO plants to align product offerings with customer needs and market trends.
• Gather market insights and feedback from stakeholders, contributing to product development.
• Promptly address customer inquiries and issues, providing accurate and timely solutions.
• Prepare and deliver engaging sales presentations and proposals to showcase DENSO's value.
• Maintain comprehensive records of sales activities, customer interactions, and market data.
• Stay abreast of industry developments and competitor activities, identifying growth opportunities.
• Assist in creating marketing materials and campaigns to promote DENSO's products and services.
• Actively participate in trade shows, conferences, and industry events to represent DENSO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field is essential.
• 0-4 years of experience in a sales or business development role, with a preference for automotive industry experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, to build and maintain relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel, for efficient collaboration.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical skills to make informed decisions.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, cross-functional team.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for business needs.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; proficiency in German or Swedish is highly advantageous.
• A genuine passion for the automotive industry and a drive to contribute to DENSO's success.