Commercial Territory Sales Manager - Automotive Refinish

About the role

As a Commercial Territory Manager (CTM) on PPG's Automotive Refinish team, you will guide profitable sales growth and strengthening customer relationships within a defined territory covering Eastern Iowa. You will focus on commercial refinish solutions, with an emphasis on fleet, industrial, and commercial vehicle refinishing applications, supporting customers who demand high-performance coatings, technical expertise, and reliable partnership. Reporting directly to the Commercial Regional Manager, the CTM operates remotely and serves as the primary commercial contact for both direct customers and distributor partners.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow sales within a defined territory, including existing direct accounts and distributor-managed accounts using a disciplined and defined approach.
• Serve as the primary representative and knowledge source for PPG Commercial Coatings in the assigned territory.
• Possess hands-on technical capabilities related to substrate preparation, painting processes and application.
• Prospect, qualify, and convert new leads for both direct and distribution sales channels.
• Develop and maintain a robust commercial sales distribution network.
• Avoid oversights in expense account management.
• Assess distributor capabilities and work to improve their performance through training and support.
• Collaborate with the sales team to review targets, develop strategies, and manage sales opportunities.
• Lead opportunity cadence calls and joint customer visits with distributors representatives to strengthen customer relationships and identify growth opportunities.
• Support and train PPG's digital tools at distribution and end user customers.
• Utilize CRM tools effectively to strategize, track, and manage territory activities.
• Deliver presentations and training sessions to distributors and end user customers on PPG products and value propositions.
• Develop, write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as needed.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the competitive landscape to form sales strategies.
• Manage and control an expense account responsibly.
• Demonstrate a proactive sales attitude with a focus on ethical decision-making and customer satisfaction.
• Handle multiple sales opportunities at various stages of the sales process simultaneously.
• Coach and support sales partners to enhance their effectiveness.
• Commit to continuous learning and complete all required training on time.
• Travel as necessary, up to 50% overnight, to support sales activities and distributor engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in commercial coatings sales, automotive refinish, or an adjacent industrial market.
• Experience in sales development, negotiation, with the ability to establish engagement with prospects, customers, and distributor partners.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.