Technical Sales Manager NA
SLPT · Warren, MI · 2 days ago
On-siteBusiness DevelopmentFull-time
Technical Sales Manager - North America Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Technical Sales Manager - North America to serve as the primary link between the Director of Sales & Product Development and the regional sales organization. This strategic leadership role combines technical expertise, customer relationship management, business development, and sales leadership. The successful candidate will lead key customer accounts, mentor sales team members, support growth initiatives, and collaborate closely with engineering and product development teams to deliver customer-focused solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong engineering background, deep automotive industry experience, and a proven track record of successfully developing business, managing OEM relationships, and leading commercial growth initiatives. What You'll Accomplish As the Technical Sales Manager - North America, you will: Drive regional sales growth and profitability. Strengthen relationships with major OEM and Tier 1 customers. Expand the company's position within powertrain, hybrid, and electrification markets. Mentor and develop sales professionals across North America. Influence future product development through customer insights and market intelligence. Secure new business awards and long-term strategic partnerships. Support the commercialization of advanced automotive technologies. Key Responsibilities Sales Leadership & Team Development Provide daily leadership, coaching, and support to the North American sales team. Assist in executing strategic sales initiatives and growth plans. Establish sales priorities and monitor opportunity pipelines. Track commercial activity and performance against established objectives. Mentor team members in technical sales, customer engagement, negotiation, and account management. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer focus. Strategic Account Management Serve as the lead commercial contact for key OEM and Tier 1 customer accounts. Build and maintain strong relationships with customer engineering, purchasing, supplier quality, and program management teams. Conduct customer visits, executive reviews, and strategic planning discussions. Ensure proactive communication and high levels of customer satisfaction. Identify opportunities for platform expansion, new applications, and long-term growth. Business Development Identify and pursue new opportunities within: Automotive Powertrain Systems Driveline Technologies Transmission Systems Hybrid Vehicle Technologies Electrification Platforms Electric Drive Systems Develop and maintain a robust business opportunity pipeline. Research customer technology roadmaps and sourcing strategies. Support annual sales planning, forecasting, and growth objectives. Drive profitable revenue growth across existing and prospective accounts. Commercial Management & Negotiations Lead pricing discussions, contract negotiations, and commercial reviews. Develop business plans that support revenue growth and margin objectives. Evaluate commercial opportunities and associated business risks. Partner with finance and operations teams to ensure profitable customer agreements. Manage customer business plans and forecasting activities. Technical Sales Support Utilize engineering expertise to support customer design reviews and technical discussions. Collaborate with Product Development and Engineering teams to assess customer opportunities. Participate in quotation development, feasibility reviews, and value engineering activities. Translate customer technical requirements into actionable internal development initiatives. Provide technical leadership during product launches and commercial implementation activities. Customer & Market Intelligence Monitor market trends, customer initiatives, and competitive activities. Identify emerging technologies and future product opportunities. Gather and communicate customer feedback throughout the organization. Support strategic planning through market analysis and customer insights. Stay current on industry developments within powertrain and electrification technologies. Cross-Functional Collaboration Serve as the commercial liaison between customers and internal stakeholders. Coordinate activities among Sales, Engineering, Product Development, Operations, Quality, and Program Management teams. Support successful program launches and customer implementation activities. Ensure customer expectations align with internal capabilities and deliverables. Drive effective communication and project alignment throughout the organization. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's Degree in: Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Related Technical Discipline Experience Minimum 10 years of experience in: Automotive Engineering Product Design & Development Technical Sales Business Development Account Management Proven experience supporting automotive powertrain, driveline, transmission, engine, hybrid, or electrified propulsion systems. Demonstrated success managing OEM and Tier 1 customer relationships. Experience leading commercial negotiations and customer business planning. Strong presentation, communication, and customer engagement skills. Ability to travel extensively throughout North America. Preferred Qualifications MBA or Advanced Engineering Degree. Experience working with major automotive OEMs, including: Ford General Motors Stellantis Toyota Honda Previous leadership or supervisory experience within technical sales organizations. Knowledge of: Electrification Technologies eDrive Systems Hybrid Vehicle Technologies Emerging Propulsion Systems Experience with: Hydraulic Pumps Gerotor Pumps Transmission Pumps Oil Pumps Lubrication Systems Fluid Power Systems Experience supporting product development, commercialization, or application engineering within automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial, or off-highway markets. Core Competencies Successful candidates will demonstrate: Technical Sales Leadership Strategic Account Management Business Development Automotive Industry Expertise Engineering & Product Development Knowledge Negotiation & Commercial Acumen Customer Relationship Management Team Development & Coaching Cross-Functional Leadership Strategic Planning Executive Presence Financial Acumen Market Analysis Influencing Skills Results Orientation Compensation Competitive executive-level compensation package based on experience, industry expertise, leadership capabilities, and demonstrated sales performance. Additional compensation information, including incentive opportunities, will be discussed during the interview process. Benefits & Perks We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Retirement savings programs Paid holidays and paid time off Leadership development opportunities Professional training and continuing education Employee assistance programs Exposure to global customers and emerging automotive technologies Career advancement opportunities within a growing global organization Work Environment & Schedule This role operates across customer locations, office environments, manufacturing facilities, and industry events. Responsibilities may include: Frequent travel throughout North America. Customer meetings and executive business reviews. Plant tours and manufacturing assessments. Participation in trade shows and industry conferences. Collaboration with global engineering and commercial teams. Flexible scheduling to support customer and business requirements. Success Measures Success in this role will be measured through: Achievement of regional sales and profitability objectives. Growth within existing customer accounts. New business acquisition and program awards. Customer retention and satisfaction metrics. Sales team development and performance improvement. Successful launch and commercialization of new programs. Expansion into growth markets including electrification and advanced mobility technologies. Career Growth Opportunities We are committed to developing commercial leaders who drive long-term business success. Potential career pathways include: Director of Sales Director of Business Development Director of Sales & Product Development Global Account Director Vice President of Sales Vice President of Business Development Commercial Executive Leadership Roles This position offers direct exposure to executive leadership, strategic customer initiatives, product innovation, and global business development efforts. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion We are committed to maintaining a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and believe that an inclusive environment strengthens our organization and supports innovation. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are based on business needs, qualifications, performance, and individual merit. How to Apply Are you ready to combine technical expertise, commercial leadership, and customer engagement to drive the next generation of automotive innovation? Apply today and join a company where engineering excellence, strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurial thinking create lasting success. Join US and help drive growth in the future of automotive mobility. #TechnicalSalesManager #AutomotiveSales #BusinessDevelopment #OEMSales #AccountManagement #TechnicalSales #Powertrain #Electrification #EVTechnology #HybridVehicles #AutomotiveIndustry #SalesLeadership #BusinessGrowth #EngineeringSales #CustomerSuccess #StrategicAccounts #MobilitySolutions #LeadershipCareers #NowHiring