Sales Manager - Defense

Position Summary

About KONI

KONI is a leading global player in the development and production of high-quality shock absorbers and suspension systems. With a rich history dating back to 1857, and as part of ITT since 1972, KONI is renowned for its innovative solutions across the automotive, commercial vehicles, defense, and railway markets.

At KONI, it's all about precision, performance, and passion. Our products are globally recognized for their reliability and customization, whether they're used in race cars, military vehicles, or trains. With our headquarters in the Netherlands and a strong presence in international markets, we offer a dynamic and inspiring work environment where innovation and collaboration take center stage.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Defense Industry Sales Manager to drive sales of our suspension products in the military and defense markets. The ideal candidate will leverage their mechanical and technical expertise, with a focus on suspension systems, to develop strong relationships with key defense contractors, government agencies and military vehicle OEMs.

The Sales Manager, Defense will be part of our team in the United States working remote located close to Detroit, Michigan. The individual will be working on a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative team culture.

Essential Responsibilities

The essential responsibilities include:

• Customer Relations: Act as the primary interface for assigned defense industry accounts, representing the company with integrity, professionalism, and technical know-how.
• Sales & Business Development: Conduct sales calls to defense OEMs, military contractors, and government agencies. Focus on securing new contracts and growing market share in the defense sector.
• Proposal Management: Lead the preparation and submission of responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from defense customers, collaborating with internal teams (Engineering, Legal, Finance, Supply Chain) to ensure the best technical and financial solutions.
• Market Expansion: Drive market growth by pursuing new business opportunities and developing innovative sales strategies tailored to the defense industry.
• Product Solutions: Present and demonstrate the company's suspension capabilities and product solutions for military and defense applications, ensuring they meet customer-specific technical requirements.
• Technical Expertise: Leverage mechanical and technical expertise to validate solutions, assess costs, and ensure alignment with customer specifications and needs.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain long-term relationships with defense customers, ensuring customer loyalty and satisfaction.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with internal teams to address customer service issues, provide technical support, and ensure timely delivery of solutions.
• Sales Reporting: Analyze and report on sales orders, pipeline, and performance to leadership monthly. Maintain a clear and actionable sales funnel.
• Travel: 50% travel for sales calls, trade shows, and customer presentations, with some weekend travel required. The position is remote.

Position Requirements

We need your experience and skills!

The ideal candidate has a business focused approach, is willing to work in a challenging environment and is always looking to improve. Key requirements are:

• Experience: 5-7 years of experience selling technical products (components) from a manufacturing company, ideally in the defense industry, selling suspension systems or dampers to military contractors or OEMs.
• Education: A bachelor's degree in a business or sales field is required (technical sales field is preferred).
• Technical Expertise: Mechanical and technical knowledge is a must; it's a plus having experience in suspension systems, shock absorbers and vehicle systems used in military applications.
• Sales Skills: Proven success in business development, with the ability to close sales and drive market expansion.
• Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis skills to understand customer needs and industry trends.
• Language Skills: Fluent in English. Multilingual is a plus.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office and web applications, with a strong ability to use data tools for reporting and analysis.
• Business Development: Experience managing a sales pipeline, executing new business development calls and effectively closing deals.
• Prioritization: Ability to efficiently manage multiple priorities and navigate a fast-paced environment.

Key Behavioral Traits for Success:

• Attention to Detail: Ability to follow detailed procedures, ensuring accuracy in documentation and data management.
• Sales & Closing Ability: Demonstrated ability to persuade and close deals, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Customer Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with customers, ensuring long-term business success.
• Teamwork & Communication: Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and contribute to group decision-making processes.

Do you want to be part of a team that pushes boundaries and makes an impact?

KONI will give you a unique opportunity to contribute to the company's ongoing transformation by working with a core team of high caliber executives and professionals.

You'll be surrounded by a curious team in an innovative environment where people have the opportunity to learn from each other by valuing different ideas, opinions and experiences. You will enjoy the combination of innovation, entrepreneurship, customer centricity, operational excellence and personal development and we will trust you to do what it takes to deliver outstanding results.

Equal Pay Act Range

$115,600 - $150,000