Director, Global Sales (2024)

Nexteer Automotive - Auburn Hills, MI

Full-time - Senior

Auburn Hills, MI

Repair and Maintenance

About the position

Nexteer is seeking a Director, Global Sales to spearhead our global commercial efforts for a key customer. This pivotal role involves leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic sales objectives and playing an integral part in the company's future growth. The selected candidate will be responsible for implementing global sales strategies aimed at increasing sales, margins, market share, and customer satisfaction. This position will lead the global sales team, ensuring alignment of sales support strategies with the company's strategic priorities while providing technical and commercial support to both internal and external customers. The Director will report directly to the Regional Sales Director and will require strong alignment and communication across various divisions, functions, and product lines, focusing on executing key corporate initiatives. The position is based at Nexteer's Corporate Headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI, and will involve frequent travel to the US Technical Center in Saginaw, MI, as well as global travel throughout the year. The role also offers generous relocation assistance if applicable and the potential for a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Execute global business unit sales strategies, ensuring local sales units implement these strategies effectively in their markets.
• Analyze market surveys and sales data to define market potential, estimate volume and profit potential, and prepare accurate sales forecasts.
• Set key sales targets (e.g., volume, prices, portfolio mix, channel, and market coverage) and establish appropriate metrics and measurement tools to monitor performance.
• Build and lead a high-performing team. Develop talent, appoint managers, and regularly review their effectiveness.
• Oversee proposal preparation, ensuring compliance with company procedures, guidelines, and legal requirements.
• Understand customer needs through regular visits and develop and implement product support and training in collaboration with Product Management and Global Marketing and Sales teams to ensure high customer satisfaction.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including customer satisfaction surveys, analyzing results, and assisting with necessary corrective actions with a focus on global and regional accounts.
• Develop & implement business plans and strategies to increase sales units and revenue in alignment with company policies and programs.
• Establish strategies to prospect and expand the customer portfolio, driving new business growth.
• Advise and coach team members on proposals, presentations, and skill development as needed.
• Stay informed on market trends and competition.
• Support the development of marketing plans.
• Manage expenses to align with budget guidelines.

Requirements

• 10+ years in progressively responsible leadership roles within a multinational company with examples of demonstrated excellence.
• Ideally, experience is broad-based within a benchmarked, highly recognized company within the automotive, technology, or manufacturing industry.
• Proven success in recovery of inflationary impacts to the P&L.
• Strong understanding of financial statements including P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow.
• Experience in Client Relationships, Contract Negotiation, Operational Excellence, Prospecting Skills, Meeting Sales Goals, and Sales Planning.
• 10+ years of direct management responsibility of sales or marketing functions preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering with MBA preferred.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• High energy level, creativity, and the ability to motivate others.
• Strong relationship and negotiation skills.
• Conversant with MS Office including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel to prepare reports, perform analyses and prepare presentations as needed.

Benefits

• Generous relocation assistance if applicable
• Potential opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement