Type A Sales Manager
Posted 30+ days ago
Type A Sales Manager
Sonny Merryman, INC. - Virginia (Central/Northern Virginia)
The Type A Sales Manager is responsible for all Type A bus sales activity including MyBus, activity buses, and Type A school bus coordination. Sales opportunities with larger activity buses and various commercial buses are also within the scope of responsibility. Beyond generating sales, this role embodies customer advocacy, serving as a trusted product expert and provider of solutions tailored to meet unique customer needs. As the frontline representative of the company, the Sales Manager acts as a liaison between customers and internal departments, ensuring seamless communication and effective relationship management. With a focus on understanding and addressing customer requirements, this position is instrumental in driving customer satisfaction and loyalty while achieving sales targets. The position also covers many market segments ranging from retail to school districts. The Type A Sales Manager reports directly to the Director of Marketing & School Bus Sales. Customer Relationship Management (30%) - Build and maintain loyal relationships with customers, serving as their dedicated point-of-contact and trusted advisor - Maintain a regular cadence of customer contact and visits - Work closely with customers on their special needs/requests including branding and potential trade-in units - Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to facilitate positive customer experiences and resolve issues or challenges. Coordination with various internal teams for prep and delivery. - Provide after the sale customer support. Facilitate communications with service team to address customer issues/needs. - Participate in and provide support for customer deliveries including in-service driver/vehicle orientation. - Host customers on OEM tours, educational events, and customer-appreciation outings Sales Generation and Management (30%) - Proactively identify and pursue sales opportunities within the dealerships AOR. - Establish, pursue, and track annual target sales accounts - Work closely with School Bus Admin & Sales Teams to determine annual product / inventory needs - Collaborate with Director of Marketing & School Bus Sales on deals, contracts, and pricing - Produce sales quotes in accordance with state and customer specifications. Maintain records and contact information of all inquiries. - Coordinate orders for both custom and stock chassis and bus bodies – inclusive of models, seating configurations, specifications - Manager vendor relationships with chassis and body manufacturers including chassis allotment, bus production scheduling, and various product issues as they arise. - Track and keep customer abreast of order status and updates throughout the sales process - Support school bus sales team’s efforts to promote sales to public schools - Respond to all non-public school inquiries for Type-A buses; independent schools, childcare, youth development, Head Start - Participate in regional, state, and national industry events and conferences to promote brand awareness and drive sales growth. (VAPT, VAIS, VHSA, VCCA, VISAA, etc) - Provide marketing support for all Type-A markets and sales channels Product and Industry Experience Knowledge (20%) - Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform sales strategies and enhance product offerings - Demonstrate comprehensive product knowledge and expertise to effectively address customer inquiries and provide tailored solutions and options. - Maintain a knowledge base of customer-preferred product specifications - Research and develop product advantage specifications - Knowledge of federal (FMVSS) and state VDOE regulations and laws pertaining to both Type- A school and activity buses - Actively participate in ongoing product training, events, and meetings with OEM partners - Stay informed about advancements and new technologies in the school bus industry, emerging technologies, and best practices - Maintain regular engagement with OEM representatives to stay in-tune with latest product developments Finance and Leasing, other dealership support (20%) - Familiar with financing and lease options. Develop expert Finance and Lease solutions to fit various Customer needs across all business units - Strong working relationship with Daimler Truck Finance (DTF) - Prepare financing deals and strategies in partnership with the internal finance team and Daimler Finance partners - Oversee and improve internal Finance and Lease administrative processes across all business units. - Support retail sales for commercial vehicles with strong knowledge of product offerings and applications.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business/marketing/related field or equivalent experience required - Knowledge of school buses, vehicle systems, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) (preferred) - 5+ years of sales experience (preferred) - Centrally located within their region of responsibility (preferred) - Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and customer-service skills - Keen attention to detail and intricacies of crafting sales proposals - Problem-solving and winning mindset - Proficiency in Microsoft programs, specifically OneDrive, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams - Self-motivated to work independently while also maintaining a team-oriented mentality - Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holder (preferred) - Remote and in-office working environment with 30-40% travel required (primarily within state)