Outside Automotive Sale Representative -New Business Development

Job Title:

Outside Automotive Sales Representative – New Business Development Job Summary

A Vantage Plastics’ sales representative is responsible for selling products and services to meet customer needs. This involves continual sales activity involving the gathering of information that leads to obtaining sales orders from existing and prospective customers. This position focuses primarily on actively prospecting for and processing potential accounts by utilizing sales activities in an ongoing effort to convert prospective businesses into new customers.

This position also involves working closely with existing customers to understand and identify their needs for which the company can develop product solutions.

• Making regular contacts with all assigned customers to seek new order opportunities. New prospects are expected to be added and pursued. All forms required by company sales process must be completed and updated as needed.
• Developing target prospect lists, identifying contacts and executing daily strategy to reach and cultivate relationships within prospective organizations (cold calling/lead development).
• Submit reports providing an accounting of their sales activities, provide sales forecasts, or other sales activity information when requested by Vantage Plastics.
• Interact with internal company groups in a professional manner in fulfilling necessary interactive sales requirements.
• Always act in an ethical, professional manner in all customer, prospective customer, and team interactions.
• Utilize software such as ERP and CRM systems as may be required by Vantage Plastics.
• Build and maintain a network of sources from which to identify new sales leads.
• Communicate with customers and leads to identify and understand their product or service needs; identifies and suggests products and services to meet those needs.
• Demonstrate the functions and utility of products or services to customers based on their needs.
• Ensures customer satisfaction through ongoing communication and relationship management; resolves any issues that may arise post‑sale.
• Maintain communication with existing and previous customers, alerting them of new products, services, and enhancements that may be of interest.
• Maintain detailed reports of sales activities including calls, orders, sales, lost business, and any customer or vendor relationship problems.
• Provide periodic territory sales forecasts.
• Required to adhere to and follow company policies and required processes, as they currently exist, or as they may be amended from time to time at the company’s sole discretion. Critical responsibilities involve following the Vantage Plastics’ mission, stated values, policies and procedures when representing the company with customers and prospective customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 1‑3 years experience with prospecting new customers and developing long‑term business relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to listen to customer needs.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills, over the phone and in person.
• Must be self‑motivated and looking for a growth opportunity.
• Excellent presentation and relationship‑building skills with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of customer organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a customer‑focused approach to issue resolution.

• BS or AS, required.
• Degree in Packaging, Engineering, or Supply Chain Management, preferred.
• Formal sales training or experience in plastic and packaging products sales, preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing and production experience, preferred.
• Experience working directly with OEM customers, preferably with Ford Motor Company and/or Tier 1 automotive suppliers, preferred.
• Plastics manufacturing experience is preferred with a Thermoforming background being ideal.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and plastics materials, preferred.
• Individuals must have high technical ability, excellent problem‑solving skills, exceptional communication skills and strong customer service skills.