VP, US Sales PLT

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated preliminary sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets. 

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental delivers top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2023, the Tires group sector generated sales of 14 billion euros. Continental's tire sector employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 20 production and 16 development sites. Are you ready to shape the future with us? 

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

SG 15

The VP Sales-US will lead, coordinate and manage sales efforts for PLT Replacement - U.S. in support of sales and growth targets and within approved financial conditions.  The main activities include development of sales strategies, coordination and management of the activities within and between various sales channels.  Understanding the product value chain, distribution strategies, commercial tactics and managing channel conflict are keys to the success of this role. This position must be able to deliver the “voice of the customer” internally to support internal initiatives.  They must drive recruiting, training and innovations with the team to hire the right talent to help our customers and Continental grow.

• Sales Growth  
  • Direct the sales growth in units and customer CMS ($/%) for the market in line with approved strategy
       *Distribution and Indirect Dealers
       *Direct Retail, Online
       *Car Dealer
       *Commercial
       *Other sales channels as they may develop

• Customer Programs
  • Timely development, approval and implementation of customer programs and program incentives in line with overall market strategy

• Sales Strategy
  • Create and execute strategy to deliver on mid-term sales plans for these channels, which accommodates for current and future trends

• Sales Budget and Forecast
  • Establish, manage and achieve the sales budget / forecast (monthly /annual) for market

• Organizational Development
  • Responsible to prioritize work and evaluate the sales team structure to best meet market demands and company objectives.  This includes training and development of personnel to execute sales strategy, achieve sales targets, and provide for succession planning

• Public Relations
  • Maintain relationships with customers and trade organizations
  • Represent PLT RE US at internal and external events, as necessary

• Voice of the customer
  • Lead the consolidation and communication of customer and sales organization input into overall PLT US strategy (ex. Pricing, programs, promotions, new products, advertising, and other policies and procedures)

• Collaboration
  • Collaborate with other functional areas (Operations, Customer Service, Marketing, Controlling, HR) in development of strategies and tactics

• Cost Management
  • Manage overall sales related period expenses and costs of sales as defined and assigned

• Product
  • Launch new products / customer specific products

• Customer Relationship Management
  • Drive Salesforce or other CRM systems to consolidate sales activities, voice of the customer, risks or opportunities

• Innovation
  • Create and execute new innovations for the sales team - tools, customer interactions, operations etc.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE 

• Bachelor's Degree
• 10+ years of Automotive related Sales Leadership experience
• Prior Tire/ Automotive After Market, Replacement experience
• Multi Channel/Distribution experience
• Experience leading leaders, people, projects and sales organizations
• Expert level leadership of complex or multi functioning teams
• Expert level experience managing sales teams with multiple channels
• Experience with creating and delivering strategy / budget plans for a sales team
• Experience coordinating with Marketing, Operations, IT, Controlling, Customer Service, etc. to deliver desired sales results
• Experience managing large account top-to-top relationships
• Advanced level understanding and experience of launching new PLT products / PLT customer specific products
• Experience with CRM systems
• Experience with new business development / business plans
• Experience solving complex issues, developing and driving new initiatives, and managing internal interfaces
• Expert level ability to motivate and coach the team to achieve results
• Continental is able to offer visa support for internal candidates 
• Can offer relocation if needed
• Internal qualified candidates will meet internal guidelines for this executive level role

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT 

• Advanced degree with Business focus

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.