Senior Sales Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

Under moderate supervision, serves as a liaison among customers, DENSO plants, affiliates, and internal teams to support customer production requirements, new product launches, and ongoing business activities. Coordinates production readiness, design changes, tooling, delivery performance, and product phaseout. Develops strong customer relationships and assists in resolving accounts receivable and documentation issues.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a liaison among customers, DENSO plants, affiliates, and internal DENSO teams regarding customer requirements and capacity concerns. Partner with Production Control as needed, coordinate tooling schedules, and support launch readiness by managing late design changes and helping plants meet delivery targets.

• Support pre-production activities, including project management, new product schedules, and part readiness. Assist with program timing, design changes, vehicle buildout, part-number changes, obsolescence claims, and packaging approvals. Support plant improvement activities related to delivery performance, as assigned.

• Follow up on and assist with the resolution of accounts receivable issues. Ensure that related documentation, including purchase orders and airfreight invoices, is accurate and complete.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external customers. Address daily business issues, gather relevant information, monitor customer and competitor trends, and communicate key insights to management.

• Complete and maintain required records, and ensure compliance with applicable policies, contracts, and related requirements in accordance with DIAM standards and processes.

• Collaborate with Production Control and plant personnel on product phaseout activities to minimize or prevent obsolete inventory.

• Partner with Quality Engineering to support the timely resolution of quality-related issues.

• With guidance from management, develop and execute accurate, comprehensive sales plans. Ensure that account maintenance and expansion activities support the sales plan. Review sales plans with management and recommend product ranking, pricing, and volume strategies. Analyze variances and related data for accuracy, and prepare detailed reports for management.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, marketing, or a related field.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders on matters of moderate to significant importance, including senior management.

• Demonstrated customer service skills and the ability to promote and support a service-oriented environment.

• Effective negotiation skills, with the ability to advocate for a position while seeking mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and composure under pressure.

• Strong time-management, organizational, and prioritization skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans

• 401K with 4% Company Match

• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays

• Bonus Program

• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs

• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance

• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs

• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Career Development and Ongoing Training

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)

• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)

• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

Annual Salary: $80,000 - $101,000

• Develop and execute sales strategies for Ford global accounts within the DIAM‑1255 program.
• Manage end‑to‑end customer programs from development through launch to mass production, acting as primary liaison.
• Track program milestones, coordinate change requests, and resolve issues across internal and external teams.
• Align supply‑chain activities with production schedules to meet delivery commitments.
• Support mass‑production ramp‑up, monitor ongoing delivery performance, and address bottlenecks.
• Build and maintain relationships with key Ford stakeholders and DENSO cross‑functional teams.
• Analyze market trends, pricing, and competitive data to drive revenue growth.
• Prepare and present sales forecasts, reports, and business reviews to senior leadership.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial terms in line with corporate policies.
• Mentor junior sales staff and champion continuous improvement in sales and program processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 8 years B2B sales experience in automotive or related industry.
• Proven track record managing global automotive accounts, preferably Ford.
• Strong program‑management expertise from development through mass production.
• Deep understanding of supply‑chain coordination and logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to track milestones, manage changes, and resolve complex issues.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data and make strategic decisions.
• Proficiency with CRM and ERP systems (e.g., Salesforce, SAP).
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally; eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.