Sales Manager

Kubota Engine America; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

PTO

STD/LTD

401(k) plan

Job summary

Kubota Engine America is seeking a Sales Manager in Lincolnshire, IL to drive growth across OEMs, distributors, and emerging markets. You will expand customer relationships and develop strategic plans to meet market objectives.

The role serves as the primary liaison between Kubota, distributors, and OEM customers, delivering sales excellence and technical insight while traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to grow OEM and distributor sales by building long-term channel partnerships.
• Skilled in distributor performance management and sales strategy execution.
• Strong negotiation and closing abilities aligned with corporate goals.
• Solid understanding of engine applications and OEM markets; order processing and warranty basics.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building skills; travel as needed to support customers.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow OEM and distributor accounts, strengthen relationships and expand market share.
• Partner with distributors and customers to understand market needs and support engine applications and sales initiatives.
• Drive sales performance through forecasting, territory planning, KPI management, and annual reviews.
• Identify growth opportunities and implement strategies to improve distributor and channel partner performance.
• Represent Kubota at customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events with sales and technical expertise.
• Monitor market trends and competitive activity, collaborating across teams to deliver results.

Skills

Distributor partnerships

Sales strategy

Negotiation

Engine applications

Order processing

Travel readiness

Tools

SAP

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The role is located in Lincolnshire, IL (north of Chicago). This is a hybrid role (after 30 days).

Salary Range: $124,000-138,000 Depending on Experience

About the Role

Kubota Engine America (KEA) is a global leader in industrial engine distribution, known for innovation, reliability, and exceptional customer support.

Join Kubota as a Sales Manager and play a pivotal role in driving business growth across OEM, distributor, and emerging markets. In this high-impact role, you'll expand existing customer relationships, identify new opportunities for Kubota engines, generators, and parts, and develop strategic sales plans aligned with market trends and business objectives. As the primary liaison between Kubota, distributors, and OEM customers, you'll serve as a trusted business partner, helping customers succeed while influencing the company's growth and market presence.

This full-time role is based in Lincolnshire, IL (north of Chicago) and transitions to a hybrid schedule after 30 days.

KEA offers a comprehensive benefits package including

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• STD/LTD
• 401(k) plan

What You'll Do

• Manage and grow OEM and distributor accounts by strengthening relationships, expanding market share, and identifying new business opportunities.
• Partner with distributors and customers to understand market needs, recommend solutions, and support engine application and sales initiatives.
• Drive sales performance through forecasting, territory planning, KPI management, inventory monitoring, and annual business reviews.
• Identify growth opportunities and implement strategies to improve the performance of distributors, OEMs, and channel partners.
• Represent Kubota at customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events while providing sales and technical expertise.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and customer insights, collaborating across teams to deliver exceptional customer support and business results.

What We're Looking For

• Proven ability to grow OEM and distributor sales by building strong, long-term channel partnerships and expanding market opportunities.
• Skilled in distributor performance management, sales strategy execution, and aligning results with corporate goals.
• Strong sales, negotiation, and closing abilities, backed by a track record of achieving and exceeding business objectives.
• Solid understanding of engine applications, specifications, OEM markets, order processing, warranty practices, and Incoterms.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence customers and resolve complex business challenges.
• Highly organized and analytical, proficient in SAP, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced environment and travel regularlly to support customers and partners.