National Sales Manager

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.

About the role

The National Sales Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the Sales Department, driving growth across automotive and non-auto accounts, and developing sales and marketing strategies to achieve long-term growth plans. This role involves managing and mentoring a sales team, building and maintaining key customer relationships, analyzing market and competitor trends, and owning annual sales and gross profit budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and provide leadership to all direct reports across traditional, retail, and non-auto accounts.
• Maintain and enhance business relationships, provide necessary information, and acquire new business for major accounts in both the automotive and non-auto sectors.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Sales Department.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve 3-year and 10-year growth plans.
• Support and execute all sales, marketing, and product initiatives to maximize company value.
• Ensure a balanced diversification of products, markets, and channels.
• Manage, mentor, coach, and inspire the team to meet sales targets and individual goals.
• Source and coordinate market research materials to support current and future business development.
• Analyze marketing statistics, market data, and competitor information to identify growth opportunities.
• Support national sales and marketing activities, including communications, advertising, promotions, customer events, and sales development.
• Build a comprehensive understanding of customer needs and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Develop annual sales and gross profit budgets, along with strategies and tactics to achieve them, and take ownership of exceeding budget goals.
• Meet or exceed set sales targets, SG&A budgets, and onboarding for new associates.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Business Operations Team (CBO) on special projects or assignments as directed by the SVP or SLT Team.
• Business travel up to 35%.
• Perform all other job-related tasks as assigned.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including IATF, ISO, ISMS, TISAX, QMS, J-Sox, and safety-related policies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of sales and marketing experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management role, with a proven track record of success.
• At least 10 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket.
• Minimum of 7 years in marketing and account management.
• Minimum of 7 years of proven experience managing, motivating, and leading a team.
• Strong background in sales and marketing within the automotive aftermarket or a similar industry.
• Deep understanding of product development processes.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proven experience in developing sales and marketing strategies, analyzing market and competitor trends, and addressing customer needs.
• Strong analytical skills and a strategic mindset.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to think strategically, make sound business judgments, and take calculated risks.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

Benefits

• 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.