Sales Manager, US Specialty

Thule is looking for a Sales Manager, US Specialty. The role is responsible for achieving company sales goals and objectives through the strategic management of assigned sales territories & sales representatives across specialty distribution channels, including independent bike, outdoor, run, rack specialty, automotive, & luggage retailers. The role also manages key accounts to strengthen partnerships and drive growth in line with the company expectations.

Additional responsibilities include managing trade shows and events, delivering presentations & training, supporting sales meetings, expanding product categories, pursuing new business opportunities, and providing channel-specific operational support, including planning, forecasting, and sales collateral.

This role collaborates closely with the Vice President of Sales and Marketing;
Sales Managers and Directors; and teams across Sales Operations, Marketing, Finance/Credit, Product Management, Logistics, and other departments as needed.

Identification of key retail specialty targets Account sales calls directly to key retail targets Leadership and development of Sales Rep network Alignment of internal sales members to manage ongoing sales Negotiation and coordination of trading relations Coordination with other Business Areas to ensure consistency of programs

• Developing sales and marketing initiatives
• Making regular in-person sales calls Cultivating Company relationships with key customer staff and Senior Management
• Implementing account-specific promotions
• Acting to close deals and finalize agreements
• Meeting established sales, margin, growth, and revenue goals
• Develop, implement, and execute key account profit and loss statements to ensure margin objectives, increasing sales, product distribution, and meeting individual account performance expectations
• Develop annual budget and profit plans with VP Sales & Marketing, as well as Finance Department, creating promotional/merchandising schedule, forecasting, pricing, and quarterly reviews
• Recommend sales strategies for growth and improvement based on market research and competitor analysis.
• Utilize system and POS information tools to validate data provided to customers including margin yield, sales per linear foot and specific SKU performance to maximize sales and facilitate SKU placement.

• Coordinate activities to maximize resources with Marketing Team, and work directly with Product Managers to coordinate new product launches and create promotions
• Assist in the education and training of product managers, new sales personnel, or retail customers. Provide input for annual category marketing plans
• Recommend new product concepts and line extension to Product Managers and Designers Provide input during product development process
• Attend trade shows, including booth preparations and presentations
• Provide insight and guidance into evaluation and coordination of trade shows and sales meetings Other duties and projects assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in business or equivalent related experience
• Master’s degree in business or related field experience
• Minimum of 5 years’ general business experience
• Minimum of 5 years’ successful experience selling at the national account level with retail channels Proven ability to establish effective customer relationships to drive sales
• Minimum of 3 years’ previous supervisory experience, preferred Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to develop and present effective sales proposals
• Demonstrated effective negotiation skills Strong mathematical skills with attention to numbers Knowledge of business accounting and finance principles
• Demonstrated effective problem analysis and resolutions
• Proven ability to manage outside…