Sales Manager

Yazaki is a global leader in the research, development and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions.

Yazaki works with virtually every major auto manufacturer in the world, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 83-year history. Today, we're on the lookout for energetic people with the potential to perform, as well as the ability to strengthen - and thrive in - the positive work environment we pride ourselves on.

Please note definition differences between Intern and Co-op:

Intern:  Student works full-time during the summer

Co-op:  Student works part-time while school is in session. Student may work more hours during the summer if not enrolled in classes. Students may work for a minimum of one semester or longer.

Both positions are paid according to current academic standing and job classification.

Location: Canton , MI 

What we are looking for:

Yazaki is looking for a Sales Manager to join our Ford team in Canton, MI.  The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a collaborative and action-driven environment making lasting impacts on the organization. 

The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the Sales Department strategies, activities and procedures that will drive the company/department towards meeting and/or exceeding corporate and functional objectives. The ideal candidate will also define the overall Sales Department budget and manpower allocations. Additionally, manage assigned Sales group. Furthermore, the ideal candidate will lead activities that identify new business opportunities within the scope/charter. 

What you will be doing:

Manage Group

• Ensure that group structure and staffing levels are in line with business requirements
• Hire and work with group to improve their skills and competencies, using feedback, coaching, motivation, and mentoring techniques
• Provide short-term tactical and mid-to-long range strategic leadership to group, including assessing department related risks & opportunities and making recommendations to management (e.g., new technology, industry innovations, or strategies)
• Implement associate development tools, including objective setting and the performance review process
• Ensure training needs are identified and met
• Ensure the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of effective, efficient, and common processes, procedures, toolsets and methodologies
• Ensure data is collected, analyzed and corrective actions implemented for group metrics
• Provide regular communication to the group on administrative issues and policies
• Assist HR with resolution of compliance, safety, integrity concerns, or grievances within group
• Support long-range and short-term group forecasts, goals, objectives, and priorities
• Prepare and maintain updated job descriptions ensuring functions are aligned with processes and procedures
• Resolve customer and internal issues to facilitate implementation of group objectives and achieve customer satisfaction
• Develop and manage group budget to reach or exceed its objectives and overall BU profitability

Customer Satisfaction

• Support customer satisfaction surveys in conjunction with other business unit Sales management personnel

Customer Interface

• Main Interface to Customer Purchasing Management Organization

MS Procedures and Toolset

• Continuously improve procedures and toolset to maximize Sales effectiveness and efficiency

Commercial/Financial

• Reach or exceed objectives for profit
• Participate in development of customer group budgets
• Participate in the Accounts Receivable process to insure BU objectives are met

Regional Peer-Level/Global Communications

• Ensure consistent approach to the customer is maintained regionally/globally where appropriate
• Coordinate regional customer activities such as meetings, presentations, technology reviews, customer entertainment events, etc.
• Participate in bi-annual WWS meetings and regular communications
• Act as central point of contact to regional customer management on commercial issues
• Create and maintain contact with key decision makers within regional customer location

Sales Department Support for Assigned Customers

• Maintain knowledge of business unit and Yazaki product offerings by attending seminars, trade shows, facility tours, etc.
• Analyze and compile data on all business unit competitors;  interface with YNA corporate as a possible source of acquiring information
• Develop key customer formal and informal contacts to promote expanding business opportunities
• Support generation of 5-Year Business Plan in line with President’s Policy

Advanced Business Development

• Identify new business opportunities within the scope/charter of electrical distribution systems
• Ensure follow up sourcing is secure in order to maintain market share at assigned customer (documentation: Market Share Report)
• Support the Public Relations Group on all business unit promotional opportunities and press releases
• Serve as regional interface to business unit and as applicable, global, for activities on new business opportunities
• Serve as new business project leader on new regional and, as requested by Direction WWS, global Request for Quotation (RFQ) packages
• Receive, and ensure completeness of, RFQ package for new proposed business (volumes, specifications, ESOW/CSOW, etc.) and distribute packages among departments for response (costing, logistics, engineering, quality, warranty, purchasing, manufacturing feasibility/capacity planning, etc.) based upon customer deliverables
• Present business case and timing to US OEM BU management for strategic approval (Est. EBIT, SWOT analysis)
• Report quote proposal vs. customer target prices to senior management and program team
• Coordinate development of roadmap analysis to obtain cross functional concept to risk levels
• Prepare and deliver Quote Packages within customer RFQ timing upon approval of senior management
• Report changes to customer cycle plans and global sourcing trends to senior management
• Ensure compliance with business unit procedures for new business quotations are met and complete metrics according to the Metric Tracking System
• Interface and coordinate with the customer for strategic deployment of all new technology product or system offerings
• Support new business growth opportunities in line with President’s Policy

Global Sales/Marketing Council Meeting Coordination

• Assist with information gathering / presentation preparation for Global Sales / Marketing Council Meeting
• Participate in Global Sales / Marketing Council Meeting if required

What you will bring to the table:

• 4-Year degree in Engineering/Management preferred
• 3-5 years experience in account or program management for a Tier 1 automotive supplier
• 3-5 years supervisory/management experience
• 5-7 years experience in dealing directly with OEM as a Tier 1 supplier
• Automotive Electrical / Electronics experience preferred
• 25% minimum travel- domestic and international
• Ability to be available via mobile phone during non-business hours as required

What we can provide you:

• A collaborative learning environment that will help you reach your maximum potential
• A diverse team of experts
• Supportive leadership and team members to help you do your best work
• Opportunities to build your professional network
• An engaging and supportive work culture
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including incentive compensation, 401K match, tuition assistance and a generous holiday schedule
• Hybrid work schedule

It is the policy of Yazaki to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not to discriminate against any applicant
for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law at the Yazaki location to which this application is submitted. THIS OPPORTUNITY INCLUDES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES