Sales Manager, US Specialty

Thule Group Americas•Seymour, CT

About The Position

Thule Inc. is hiring a Sales Manager responsible for achieving company sales goals through strategic management of assigned sales territories, sales representatives, specialty distribution channels, and key accounts. Specialty channels include independent bike, outdoor, running, rack specialty, automotive, and luggage retailers. The role builds customer partnerships and drives growth in line with company expectations. The position manages sales and marketing initiatives, account planning and profitability, budgets and forecasts, promotions, pricing, and customer relationships. It also supports product launches, category development, trade shows, sales meetings, presentations, and training. The Sales Manager collaborates with the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, other sales leaders, and teams across Sales Operations, Marketing, Finance/Credit, Product Management, Logistics, and other departments as needed. Travel is required to meet company objectives within the channel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or equivalent related experience.
At least 5 years of general business experience.
At least 5 years of successful national-account-level sales experience with retail channels.
Proven ability to establish effective customer relationships that drive sales.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Proven ability to develop and present effective sales proposals.
Demonstrated effective negotiation skills.
Strong mathematical skills and attention to numbers.
Knowledge of business accounting and finance principles.
Demonstrated effective problem analysis and resolution skills.
Proven ability to manage outside representatives.
Proven ability to develop relationships with key customer staff, including executives.
Ability to understand the competitive landscape.
Very good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to travel to achieve company objectives within the channel.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business or related field experience.
At least 3 years of previous supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Identify key retail specialty targets and make sales calls to them.
Lead and develop the sales representative network and align internal sales members to manage ongoing sales.
Negotiate and coordinate trading relationships and coordinate with other business areas to maintain consistent programs.
Develop key account sales and marketing initiatives, make regular in-person sales calls, and cultivate relationships with customer staff and senior management.
Implement account-specific promotions, close deals, finalize agreements, and meet sales, margin, growth, and revenue goals.
Develop, implement, and execute key account profit and loss statements to meet margin objectives, increase sales and product distribution, and achieve account performance expectations.
Develop annual budgets and profit plans with the VP of Sales and Marketing and Finance Department, including promotional and merchandising schedules, forecasting, pricing, and quarterly reviews.
Recommend sales strategies for growth and improvement based on market research and competitor analysis.
Use system and point-of-sale information tools to validate customer data, including margin yield, sales per linear foot, and SKU performance, to maximize sales and support SKU placement.
Coordinate activities with the Marketing Team and work with Product Managers on product launches and promotions.
Support education and training for product managers, new sales personnel, and retail customers.
Provide input for annual category marketing plans and recommend new product concepts and line extensions to Product Managers and Designers.
Provide input during product development.
Attend trade shows, including booth preparation and presentations, and provide guidance on trade shows and sales meetings.
Complete other assigned duties and projects.