Director of International Sales

Director of International Sales

Air Lift, a third generation family owned company, was founded in 1949 in Lansing, Michigan.  Air Lift supplies the automotive aftermarket with load assist products and performance suspensions for show and track. Our goal is to consistently provide products and services that meet and exceed customer's requirements and expectations. We do this by recruiting top talent and retaining them through our commitment to professional development and preservation of our culture.  

The information below is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the essential functions. 

SUMMARY

This position will actively support the culture/vision/purpose, strategic plans, policies, goals, and objectives established by the CEO and the Board of Directors by effectively combining business culture with professional management environment. This position will successfully and consistently be establishing strategic and tactical sales and marketing plans designed to capitalize on market opportunities and generate demand in the regions responsible outside of the United States and Canada as well as support as needed other areas in the Company.  These strategies will build profitable revenue, brand awareness and reputation, provide a steady flow of sales leads, and measure the return on marketing program investments.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Duties include, but are not limited to):

• Responsible for obtaining profitable sales by developing the aftermarket distribution of aftermarket suspension systems and components outside of the USA and Canada with a focus in the European, Asian, Pacific, and Middle East regions in line with the company’s objectives.
• Establish and direct the preparation of short-term and long-range plans and budgets based on broad corporate goals and growth objectives. 
• Assist in the development of international strategic planning. Implements sales and marketing programs that meet corporate goals and objectives.  
• Create the structure and processes necessary to manage the organization's current activities and its projected growth. Works with subordinates and other executive leaders to keep open lines of communication in (and between locations) and to seize opportunities to solve problems as they arise.
• Evaluate the results of overall sales and marketing functions regularly and systematically. Reports these results to the sales and management teams.
• Responsible for creating sales, developing a business plan covering sales, revenue, and expense controls, meeting agreed targets
• Lead in the development of the international annual sales plan, specifically advising on: realistic forecasts for each product and territory (based on historical data, market trends, competitive activity, promotional strategy and sales effort), and sales promotion program plans.
• Responsible for monitoring the performance of sales by establishing a system of reports and communications involving sales reports, cyclical sales meetings, sales newsletters and electronic bulletins.
• Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
• Personally, make sales presentations and collect market data in the field on a regular basis.
• Provide high standards of ongoing training to customers so that they understand and have the technical knowledge to sell Air Lift Company products in an accurate and balanced manner.
• Implement strategic regional plans 
• Establish an environment and culture that promotes safety in the workplace. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Skills & Experience Required:

• We expect all team members to exhibit our guiding principles – Integrity, Continuous Improvement, Respect, and Customer Focus. 
• Only an individual with a sales growth mindset will excel in this growth opportunity role.  
• University degree or college diploma in business or equivalent.                                          
• 10 years of experience in a sales or marketing leadership role, with 5 years in an upper-level sales management position.
• Minimum 8 years of international Sales experience with automotive aftermarket manufactured products; passenger car, light-duty truck aftermarket experience preferred, with proven year-over-year growth trends.
• Desire to hunt for business while growing an existing account base to build a profitable core sales division of the company.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Solid working knowledge of budgets, sales, business acumen, business development and strategic planning.
• Ability to generate respect and trust from staff, employees, and external counterparts.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Fluency in English required.  Fluency in other languages a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of Software Products.
• Current valid driver's license.
• Current valid passport.
• Good time management skills.
• No DWI offenses.
• No illegal drug use.
• Will require up to 50% international travel.

Work Environment

This position operates mainly in and out of an office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, smart phones, web services, internet, photocopiers, etc. 

Benefits (when eligible):  Medical, Dental, 401k, Vision, Cell Phone Allowance, Life Insurance, Paid Holidays, PTO, LTD, Health Saving Account with Company Contributions, Employee Assistance Program (personal and family counseling services), 

Employee must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations which govern nations which are required to travel within and always maintain the highest ethical business standards and fiduciary duty on behalf of the company and its customers.