Commercial Sales Manager, Southwest

Description About Blue Bird Corporation Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com . JOB SUMMARY The Commercial Sales Manager – Southwest Region is responsible for achieving assigned sales targets; developing Blue Bird’s Dealer network and expanding dealer sales; promoting Blue Bird’s various product offerings; and management of performance metrics against established benchmarks. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as the liaison between Blue Bird Corporation and its Southwest region and dealer network. Establish dealer sales targets and direct sales targets for FTA and major fleets and monitor performance against established metrics. Assist dealers in the development of an annual business plan designed to achieve or exceed the annual sales target levels. Develop and provide training for dealers and their teams. Design an appropriate territory management approach regarding dealer and customer visits ensuring each dealer is visited at least once a month. Address dealer issues and concerns as required and/or proactively develop action plans to resolve issues. Promote Blue Bird’s product offerings to dealers and customers by attending regional and state trade shows and national show attendance as required. Maintain healthy, professional and productive relationships with the dealer network. Provide pricing assistance to dealers as necessary to meet competitive situations while maintaining the required gross margins. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS Extensive travel required approximately 70% of the time Ability to handle diverse assignments simultaneously while working in a deadline driven environment Willing to work flexible hours often in excess of 40 hours/week. Proven success working cross functionally with other key business stakeholders to achieve company objectives Excellent verbal and written communication skills required along with strong presentation skills Strong negotiation skills Must live within a 60-mile radius of a Southwest region major metropolitan airport: BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Bachelor's degree in business related field (Recommended) 3+ experience working in a dealership/dealer-based or direct sales company environment If no degree, 7+ years of experience All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire. WE VALUE Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters. Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus. Ability to influence stakeholders Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner. Flexible workspaces and work hours to help you unleash the best you. Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives. INCLUDES Continued Professional Development Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching WORK CONDITIONS The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office environment and production environment Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time You must wear appropriate PPE when and where required Frequent weeks working 40+ hours Frequent communication with people throughout the day *The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms. All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire. #LI-Remote Qualifications Skills Behaviors : Motivations : Education Required Bachelors or better in Business Administration or related field. Experience Required 3 years: Experience working in a dealership/dealer-based or direct sales company environment