Please note, this position is exclusively recruited for by YER USA recruiting for our client: The American Veneer Edgebanding Company, Inc. (A.V.E.C.) - do not contact the company directly!
Introduction: The American Veneer Edgebanding Company, Inc. (A.V.E.C.)
The American Veneer Edgebanding Company, Inc. (A.V.E.C.) was established in Heath, Ohio, in 1997 and is the distributor for the Heitz-Group. With a U.S. market share of about 30% of the veneer and edgebanding market, A.V.E.C. is the undisputed segment leader in its field.
The facility in Heath, OH, is the direct contact to the American market and handles relationships with some of the largest and well known end users, such as furniture companies, and some of the largest distributors and wholesalers in the industry. A.V.E.C. maintains a backoffice operation, warehouse, and a small production facility in Heath. It receives the highest quality master rolls from Germany, and is able to customize and ship its products for their North America customers from this location. However, many of the customer projects are highly customized and purpose ordered for production in Germany.
About the position - SALES MANAGER:
The current President of A.V.E.C., has been the sole driver behind the outstanding sales success of the company within the U.S. market. As demand continues to grow, and the position of the company within the market is strengthening, A.V.E.C. is now looking to add a Sales Manager to take them to the next level.
This position is located on site in Heath, OH, and reports to and works closely, with the President, Andrew Lenkei. This position currently is a sole contributor role with no direct reports, but over time, the successful incumbant will be tasked with growing the structure of the sales department, leading into a senior managerial responsibility within A.V.E.C.
In this role, you will be tasked with about 20% of key account/business development efforts for existing U.S. customers, but the main emphasis (80%) will be on bringing in new business within the various customer segments. Those efforts will be focused on end customers within the furniture and related segments, as well as the wholesale companies that supply to them. However, there are additional segments that A.V.E.C. is currently not supplying, and there will be opportunities to penetrate those and establish A.V.E.C. as a leading supplier to those segments as well.
This is a fantastic career opportunity for an experienced early to mid-career sales expert within the wider woodworking sector, to be the key driver of the business expansion for A.V.E.C. and to be rewarded with a long-term career and the corresponding advancement opportunities in the future. As the business and the organization grows, so will your responsibilities and seniority.
This position offers a base salary range starting at $80k, and a commission structure to be discussed. Also included are a company vehicle, and a healthcare package that is covered 75% by the company for singles, and 65% for family coverage. You will start with 10 PTO days, 8 paid holidays and 5 sick days. In case of relocation, a relocation package can be discussed.
This position requires regular travel throughout the U.S.A., with occasional travel to Canada, South America, and Germany. It is expected that you will be traveling on average 3 days a week, with the rest of the time spent at the facility in Heath. Travel will be overnight on a regular basis.
Job description
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies to achieve company sales targets within the woodworking industry, both for end users as well as wholesalers.
- Business development for existing key accounts (20%) and emphasis on winning and closing new customers (80%), cultivating strong relationships with decision-makers and influencers.
- Collaborate closely with the company leadership, as well as product management, marketing, and engineering teams in the U.S. and Germany to align sales strategies with product development and market needs.
- Individually and independently execute all sales and marketing efforts for A.V.E.C. in North America.
- Work closely and eventually manage the two independent sales representatives and make changes to the rep network if necessary.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to identify opportunities and challenges for business growth. Effectively communicate findings with the President A.V.E.C. USA as well as Germany to align sales strategies to new trends.
- Regularly, prepare and present sales forecasts, budgets, and reports to senior management in the U.S. and Germany, providing insights and recommendations for strategic decision-making.
- Negotiate contracts and agreements with customers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that meet both customer expectations and company objectives.
- Facilitate/coordinate the entire sales cycle with customers, from RFQ to delivery.
- Enter order data and maintain data accuracy in the company own ERP system.
- Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences to promote the brand and products, and expand your network within the woodworking sector.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the company product offerings, effectively communicating product features, benefits, and value propositions to customers.
- Gain a deep understanding of customer requirements and offer a solutions based selling approach.
- At all times, represent and uphold the company values that made A.V.E.C. the industry leader, dedicate yourself to customer satisfaction and loyalty, and act as a valuable team member within the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field; OR relevant work experience.
- 5 years of proven success in sales within the woodworking industry.
- Experience in selling veneers and edgebanding is highly sought after.
- Strong knowledge of furniture production processes, understanding of the various woodworking segments, equipment, and technologies.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze market trends and develop actionable sales plans.
- Managerial experience is a plus for future advancement opportunities.
- Located withing approx. 30 miles of Heath, OH, or willingness to relocate.
- Willingness to travel extensively as required.
On Offer:
- Base salary of $80-90k based on experience and value added
- Bonus/Commission based on mutually agreed targets
- A company car
- Health Benefits
- A clear career path for future advancement