Commercial Director

Position: Commercial Director - Midwest

Location: Lexington KY/Louisville KY/Knoxville TN Region (Remote)

Summary: The Commercial Director is solutions-oriented with focus on the automotive customer base. They must have Bilingual Proficiency with fluency in both Japanese and English. Educate and assist with current employees in the understanding of the Japanese business culture.

Reports To: Commercial Leader - Midwest Automation

Reporting to this role: Approximately 10 sellers throughout Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Supported by approximately 20 operations and sales support staff. Oversight of approximately $15-20M in revenue.

Principal Job Duties:

• You will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining relationships with key clients within the automotive industries by working closely with all levels and departments within the customer locations with focus on Japanese associates.
• Assist in management throughout the sales cycle, from initial contact to project completion, ensuring customer needs are met and exceeding their expectations.
• Account Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing and potential Japanese clients within the automotive industry.
• Product Knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of factory automation solutions and the applications within the automotive industry.
• Client Satisfaction: Ensure high levels of client satisfaction through proactive communication, problem-solving, and exceptional service.
• Account Growth: Identify opportunities to expand business with existing clients through upselling, cross-selling, and value-added services.
• Account Planning: Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve revenue growth.
• Client Advocacy: Represent the client's interests internally to ensure their needs are met and exceeded.
• Project Management: Oversee the successful delivery of projects and initiatives for assigned clients.
• Collaboration: Work closely and coordinate between suppliers, sales and customers to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction.

Education & Qualifications:

• A technical college degree and/or a minimum of five (5) years' experience in automotive industry
• Proven experience within automotive industrial distribution; 2+ years of business to business sales experience

• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in both Japanese and English is essential for effective communication with clients and colleagues.

• Proven experience in utilizing skills to solve customer problems and assist sales staff
• Powerful sense of urgency and accountability

• Proven customer relationship building skills
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills in both Japanese and English
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
• Ability to understand written and oral English and be proficient with computer, email, spreadsheets and look up documents online
• A Strong "team attitude" with the ability to work productively in group settings with other associates, customers, and vendors
• A commitment to the concept of "doing it right the first time"
• Valid Driver's License
• Aptitude to read parts manuals, vendor catalogs, understand blueprints, and communicate technical information effectively
• Must be able to work in an industrial and manufacturing environment daily, as required
• Ability to work in environments that may include:




• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Chemicals and solvents
• Electrical equipment

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Requires ability to walk, climb, stand, carry materials, stoop, kneel, bend at waist.
• Maximum unassisted lift = 50 lbs. Average lift less than 50 lbs.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Adaptability - Ability to be flexible and adjust to changes in your work environment. You can respond quickly to changing ideas, responsibilities, expectations, trends, strategies and other processes. Being adaptable also means possessing soft skills like interpersonal, communication, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Accuracy - Ability to detect errors in normal course of work by standard check or routine crosscheck. Errors resulting from inaccuracy would create minor confusion, delay or expense to correct the situation.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Keeps commitments.
• Initiative - Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Problem Solving - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Planning/Organization - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Collaboration - Ability to work with others to achieve a common goal; Building and maintaining relationships through shared responsibility, respect, and empathy.