Are you ready to elevate your career with a global leader in gear technology? At IMS Gear, we're dedicated to "Wow Your World" by delivering innovative solutions to the automotive industry. As an Inside Sales Specialist, based in Gainesville, Georgia, you will be a major part of our production process, operating and maintaining equipment to ensure top-quality products.
The Sales Manager will lead business growth within the automotive market, focusing on plastic and metal components as well as complete gearbox systems. This position supports our manufacturing operations in the U.S. and Mexico and requires regular customer engagement and travel across these regions. The role also involves close collaboration with colleagues at our global headquarters in Germany and other international sites.
The Sales Manager is responsible for developing and delivering technically sound, commercially competitive proposals to our North American customers. The ideal candidate brings a balance of strong communication skills, technical understanding, and business acumen—enabling them to effectively represent our products, identify customer needs, and develop tailored solutions. Success in this position depends on the ability to collaborate and build relationships across functions, including Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Management.
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Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing customers while actively developing new business opportunities
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Present IMS Gear products to customers, facilitate technical reviews, and respond to inquiries with support from internal engineering teams.
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Review customer inquiries, confirm specifications, and coordinate technical feasibility analysis with Engineering and R&D.
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Evaluate economic factors such as capacity, investment, and pricing targets; prepare calculations and business cases aligned with company KPIs
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Collaborate with Purchasing to request and assess supplier quotations for project requirements
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Prepare and present customer quotations; negotiate pricing, product design, schedules, and contractual terms.
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Manage price adjustments and contract changes for existing accounts, including raw material cost compensation and service parts.
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Support Project Management to ensure timely and compliant product development in line with internal processes
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Develop sales forecasts and strategic plans for assigned customers and product segments, analyzing market trends and performance.
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Continuously assess market conditions and competitor activities to optimize product positioning.
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Represent IMS Gear at industry events, fairs, and technical shows to promote products and engage with potential clients.
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Assist in customer audits related to supplier assessments and quality development initiatives.
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Generate and maintain opportunities in the CRM system, ensuring accurate and timely updates.
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Monitor customer satisfaction and support resolution of complaints related to quality, capacity, or logistics
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Work closely with internal teams including Business Unit Operations, Project Management, Engineering, and Purchasing to ensure alignment and success.
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
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Minimum of 3 years of experience in technical sales, preferably within the automotive industry.
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Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with both internal teams and external customers.
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Highly organized with strong multitasking capabilities and attention to detail.
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Open-minded, curious, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.
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Passionate about identifying and promoting solutions to meet customer challenges.
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Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate options and make sound decisions.
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Collaborative team player who can also assertively represent company interests when needed.
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Preferred experience in automotive manufacturing, including familiarity with AIAG APQP processes and IATF 16949 quality standards.
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Knowledge of injection molding, machining, gear technology, and electro-mechanical actuators is a plus.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
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Experience managing long and complex sales cycles.
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Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.
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Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (~25%).
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Ability to interpret and understand customer technical drawings.
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Skilled in conflict management and resolution.
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Experience working in diverse, international environments.
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Language skills in German, Spanish, or Japanese are a plus.
IMS Gear is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We embrace individuals from all backgrounds and provide employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
We offer competitive pay, thorough training, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, employer-paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability.
Join us and become part of a dynamic team where your contributions matter!
