Job Profile: Manager Sales & Business Development (Automotive Sector)
Male / Female
Location: Dubai – Extensive travel within GCC
Position Overview
We are looking for a highly motivated and energetic Manager – Sales & BD reporting to General Manager in driving Accessories sales and business growth within the automotive sector. The Sales Manager will be primarily responsible for identifying new market opportunities, following up with potential and existing clients and ensuring that the sales pipeline is actively managed. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a ground‑running position and is eager to contribute to business development and sales operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Sales: develop and executing accessories sales strategies to generate new business opportunities and expand the customer base in the Indian automotive sector.
- Market Opportunity Identification: Research and identify new market opportunities for automotive products and services. Focus on OEMs and related automotive stakeholders to generate qualified leads.
- Lead Generation and Prospecting: Actively engage in cold‑calling networking and prospecting to find new clients. Maintain a database of leads and convert these into business opportunities.
- Follow‑up: Manage and perform regular follow‑ups with potential clients ensuring that leads are nurtured and moved through the sales pipeline.
- Client Engagement: Develop initial relationships with clients, understand their requirements and ensure that the DGM is informed of the progress. Coordinating meetings, events and presentations with clients.
- Client Data Management: Maintain accurate records of client communications, sales activities and potential deals in the CRM system ensuring timely updates and follow‑up actions.
- Sales Reporting: Prepare regular reports on market trends, competitor analysis and sales pipeline status. Provide updates on sales versus plan, lead conversion and forecasting.
- Product Promotion Support: Execute marketing and promotional activities including trade shows, presentations and client events to promote automotive products.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams (design, engineering, operations) to ensure smooth delivery of products and services to clients. Communicate all client requests and feedback effectively.
- Customer Support: Address customer inquiries and provide timely solutions in collaboration with the DGM and other relevant teams.
- Travel: Extensive travel in GCC and occasional travel to India to meet clients and attend events or trade shows as required.
- Market & Competitive Awareness: Stay informed of market developments, client activity, competitor behavior and supplier trends to improve conversion rates.
- Product Feedback & Innovation: Act as a liaison between clients and internal design/product engineering teams to communicate new product ideas and potential enhancements.
- Team Supervision: Oversee daily activities of the sales team including managing schedules, monitoring performance, setting sales targets and ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures.
Key Requirements
- Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (preferred).
- Experience:
- 7‑10 years of experience in accessories and/or automotive parts sales & business development. Experience preferably from multi‑national OEM/Tier1.
- Familiarity with the automotive industry and OEM relationships is a plus.
- Prior experience in sales coordination and client follow‑ups in a B2B environment.
- Sales pipelines, forecasting management and lead generation activities.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Sales: Strong understanding of the sales process from lead generation to closing deals. Ability to assist in identifying new opportunities and following up with clients.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to interact with clients and internal teams effectively.
- Organization: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work and meet deadlines.
- Problem‑Solving: Ability to address client queries and issues with speed and professionalism ensuring satisfaction.
- Team Player: Collaborative, adaptable and comfortable working in a team‑oriented environment under the guidance of the GM.
- Proactive Attitude: Ability to work autonomously, take initiative and drive results without constant supervision.
- Attention to Detail: Ability to maintain accurate records, manage client data and ensure seamless follow‑up.
Preferred Qualifications
- Automotive Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of the automotive sector particularly in sales and business development with OEMs is highly beneficial.
- CRM Software Proficiency: Experience with CRM software (e.g. Salesforce, HubSpot) to track sales activities and client interactions.
- Geographical Knowledge: Familiarity with key automotive OEMs and importers in GCC as well as an understanding of regional market dynamics.
Key Competencies
- Proactive Sales Support: Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment staying focused on the needs of the sales team and driving forward business development efforts.
- Client Relationship Building: Building strong working relationships with potential and existing clients to support the sales team and ensure long‑term partnerships.
- Multitasking & Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple client interactions and deliver consistent follow‑ups to keep the sales pipeline active.
- Team Collaboration: Supporting GM and other sales team members with timely information reports and assistance to drive overall sales growth.
Reporting Line
- The Manager – Sales & BD will report directly to the GM.
Ideal Profile of Manager – Sales
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred). MBA in Sales/Marketing or Business Development is an added advantage.
- Experience:
- 7‑10 years of experience in sales, business development or similar roles within the automotive sector.
- Experience with lead generation, client follow‑ups and CRM management.
- Familiarity with OEM relationships or B2B sales in the automotive market is preferred.
- Skills:
- Strong communication and relationship management skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Proactive approach to identifying opportunities, solving problems and keeping the sales pipeline active.