Sales Director (Hydraulics Industry - USA)

Job Description:

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly accomplished and results-driven Sales Director to lead our sales efforts and drive revenue growth within the competitive US hydraulics market. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of hydraulic systems, components, and applications, coupled with a proven track record of building and leading high-performing sales teams. This strategic role requires an individual with exceptional leadership, business development, and relationship-building skills to expand our market share, penetrate new segments, and achieve ambitious sales targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Sales Leadership:

Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies and action plans to achieve and exceed revenue targets, market share growth, and profitability goals.
Identify new market opportunities, emerging trends, and competitive landscapes to inform strategic planning and product development.
Translate overall business objectives into actionable sales strategies for various market segments (e.g., industrial, mobile, aerospace, marine, agriculture, construction).
Collaborate with senior leadership to align sales strategies with company-wide goals and objectives.

Team Development:

Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate a high-performing sales team.
Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide ongoing coaching and development to maximize individual and team potential.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity within the sales organization.
Develop and implement effective sales incentive programs.

Business Development & Key Account Management:

Directly engage with key accounts, major clients, and strategic partners to build strong, long-term relationships and drive significant growth.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including large-scale projects and strategic partnerships.
Lead negotiations for significant contracts, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for the company.
Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline.

Market Analysis & Reporting:

Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify customer needs, market trends, and competitive strengths/weaknesses.
Monitor sales performance against targets, analyze sales data, and generate accurate forecasts and reports for senior management.
Utilize CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) effectively to manage the sales pipeline, track activities, and report on progress.

Product & Technical Expertise:

Possess a strong technical understanding of hydraulic components (pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, filters, power units), systems, and their applications across various industries.
Collaborate closely with engineering, R&D, and product management teams to provide market feedback, influence product development, and ensure technical alignment with customer needs.
Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences.

Operational Excellence:

Manage sales budgets, control expenses, and optimize resource allocation for maximum efficiency.
Implement best practices in sales processes, methodologies, and tools.
Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and industry standards.

Experience:

Minimum of 10+ years of progressive sales experience in the hydraulics industry (pumps, valves, cylinders, power units, etc.).
At least 5 years in a leadership/management role with direct responsibility for managing a sales team and achieving significant revenue targets.
Proven track record of consistently exceeding sales goals and driving substantial revenue growth in a B2B technical sales environment.
Demonstrated experience in strategic account management, new business development, and market penetration.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic, or related field), Business Administration, or a related discipline.
Master's degree (MBA) is a strong plus.