Senior Sales Specialist

Denso • Southfield, MI

3d

About The Position

Under moderate supervision, the Senior Sales Specialist serves as a liaison among customers, DENSO plants, affiliates, and internal teams to support customer production requirements, new product launches, and ongoing business activities. The position coordinates production readiness, design changes, tooling, delivery performance, and product phaseout; builds customer relationships; and assists in resolving accounts receivable and documentation issues.

The role develops and executes sales strategies for Ford global accounts within the DIAM-1255 program and manages customer programs from development through launch and mass production. It tracks milestones, coordinates change requests, aligns supply-chain activities with production schedules, supports production ramp-up, and resolves issues across internal and external teams. The position also analyzes markets, pricing, and competitive data; prepares forecasts and reports for senior leadership; negotiates commercial terms; and mentors junior sales staff.

The posting lists a salary range of $80,000–$101,000. Travel of up to 30% domestically and internationally is required. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of B2B sales experience in the automotive or a related industry, as stated in the role-specific qualifications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; another qualifications section lists Business, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, or a related field.
• Proven track record managing global automotive accounts; Ford account experience is preferred.
• Strong program-management expertise from development through mass production.
• Deep understanding of supply-chain coordination and logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to track milestones, manage changes, and resolve complex issues.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including communication with senior management and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Customer-service skills and ability to promote a service-oriented environment.
• Effective negotiation skills and ability to seek mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure under pressure.
• Strong time-management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data and make strategic decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with CRM and ERP systems such as Salesforce and SAP.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• MBA preferred.
• Experience managing Ford global accounts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison among customers, DENSO plants, affiliates, and internal teams regarding customer requirements and capacity concerns.
• Coordinate tooling schedules and support launch readiness, including late design changes and plant delivery targets.
• Support pre-production activities, project management, new-product schedules, and part readiness.
• Assist with program timing, design changes, vehicle buildout, part-number changes, obsolescence claims, and packaging approvals.
• Support plant improvement activities related to delivery performance.
• Follow up on and assist with resolving accounts receivable issues.
• Ensure purchase orders, airfreight invoices, and other related documentation are accurate and complete.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external customers, including key Ford stakeholders and DENSO cross-functional teams.
• Address daily business issues, gather information, monitor customer and competitor trends, and communicate insights to management.
• Maintain required records and comply with applicable policies, contracts, DIAM standards, and processes.
• Coordinate product phaseout activities with Production Control and plant personnel to minimize or prevent obsolete inventory.
• Partner with Quality Engineering to support timely resolution of quality-related issues.
• Develop and execute accurate, comprehensive sales plans with management guidance; support account maintenance and expansion.
• Review sales plans with management and recommend product ranking, pricing, and volume strategies.
• Analyze variances and related data and prepare detailed reports for management.
• Develop and execute sales strategies for Ford global accounts within the DIAM-1255 program.
• Manage end-to-end customer programs from development through launch to mass production and track program milestones.
• Coordinate change requests and resolve issues across internal and external teams.
• Align supply-chain activities with production schedules and delivery commitments; support mass-production ramp-up and address delivery bottlenecks.
• Analyze market trends, pricing, and competitive data to drive revenue growth.
• Prepare and present sales forecasts, reports, and business reviews to senior leadership.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial terms in line with corporate policies.
• Mentor junior sales staff and champion continuous improvement in sales and program processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid holidays
• Bonus program
• FSA/HSA and dependent care programs
• Company-provided life, disability, ADD, and business travel insurance
• No-cost wellness and chronic condition management programs
• Optional insurance programs, including legal, identity theft, and critical illness coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
• Career development and ongoing training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
• Volunteer opportunities
• Onsite fitness center, varying by location
• Cafeteria and food markets, varying by location
• Onsite health clinic and pharmacy, varying by location

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior