Wholesale Account Specialist

Description: Work Location:
Chicago Area, traveling to different States like: MI, IN, IL, MO, WI, MN, IA, ND, SD, NE, WY, MT, .

Years of

Experience:

• + years of experience in a relevant role within the automotive or wholesale industry

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Desired:

• Master’s Degree in Business Management or Marketing

Skills:

• Communication skills – interpersonal, presentation and written
• Ability to integrate people and system process
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Problem solving

Specialized Skills (Required):

• Experience in wholesale parts sales
• Sales experience / sales acumen
• Understanding of US automotive aftermarket

Specialized Skills (Desired):

• Experience in directing sales multiple channels
• Knowledge of Aftermarket or OEM sales and supply environment
• Wholesale (Field) automotive experience
• Parts, accessory, & service marketing experience
• Retail/Parts Manager Experience
• Proficient in current Dealer DMS systems data and Office applications.

Work Flexibility:

• Must be willing to travel up to %
• Travel within set regional areas within the US.

The Wholesale Account Specialist plays a crucial role in expanding the network and enhancing the relationships between independent repair facilities and Volkswagen and Audi Dealers.

This position focuses on three main areas: identifying and contacting new shop accounts, promoting the adoption of key software tools, and engaging Dealers in program initiatives.

Target accounts include mechanical independent repair facilities and collision body shops, with the goal of integrating these shops with VW and Audi Dealers.

The specialist's efforts will drive the adoption key electronic parts ordering (EPO) platforms – Collision Link, OPSTra x, CCC, and Repair Link, streamlining the parts ordering process and enhancing collaboration between Dealers and shops.

Additionally, the role involves coaching Dealers to optimize software order response times and improve conversion rates.

New Shop Account Outreach (%)

• Cold Calling Shops:
  Actively visit independent body and mechanical repair shops to form parts ordering relationships with VW and Audi Dealers.
• Identify Key Personnel:
  Identify and connect with the shop personnel responsible for parts ordering to ensure smooth communication and relationship-building.
• Facilitate Introductions:
  Facilitate live introductions between new shop customers and dealership Parts Managers and wholesale teams to build and improve direct relationships.
• Confirm Orders:
  Work with dealership wholesale teams to confirm and manage live customer orders through the relevant software.
• Update CRM Profiles:
  Regularly update customer profiles in the Wholesale CRM system to enhance email capture rates and improve the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
• Document Visits:
  Meticulously document all account visits and interactions in the Dealer CRM database to assist with Dealer account maintenance and ROI tracking.

Shop Software Adoption (%)

• Identify Non-Users:
  Identify shops that are not currently using Collision Link, OPS, CCC, or Repair Link EPO platforms to target them for adoption initiatives.
• Promote
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Persuade independent shops to collaborate with local authorized VW and Audi Dealerships by highlighting the features and benefits of the ordering platforms.
• Provide Support:
  Offer hands‑on support to independent shops, assisting with EPO platform sign‑up, installation, integration, and usage, as well as guiding them through the parts ordering process.
• Manage Issues:
  Actively manage and elevate any issues shops encounter with platform providers, ensuring they receive timely and effective support.

Dealer Program Engagement (%)

• Field Coordination:
  Liaise with Wholesale Parts Specialist for each Dealer contact.
• Market Kickoff Participation:
  Participate in market kickoff events for shop visits, working closely with Dealers to introduce new accounts and platform adoption plans.
• Share Plans and Schedules:
  Develop and share detailed shop contact target plans and schedules for new account outreach and software adoption with Dealers and VWGoA teams.
• Review Sales Data:
  Regularly review Dealer sales data to verify EPO platform…