FAST Sales Manager (1688)

The FAST (Focused Account Strategy Team) Sales Manager is responsible for driving new business development and strategic market growth for Business Area Plastics across North America. This role serves as the "hunter" within the sales organization, identifying new customer opportunities, expanding strategic accounts, and accelerating revenue through innovative technologies and market-focused solutions. The FAST Sales Manager works closely with Territory Managers and cross-functional teams including Innovation, Design, Operations, Customer Service, and global KURZ resources to convert targeted opportunities into long-term commercial partnerships.

• Identify, qualify, and pursue new customer opportunities within assigned strategic market segments.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of target accounts, projects, and revenue opportunities.
• Lead opportunities through the complete sales cycle, from prospecting and technical review to production launch.
• Develop relationships with engineering, design, purchasing, program management, and executive-level decision makers.
• Strategic Market Growth
• Drive sales initiatives within key industries including Mobility, Appliance, Electronics & Lighting, Industrial, Medical, Defense, and emerging markets.
• Understand customer application requirements, technical specifications, quality expectations, and commercial drivers.
• Collaborate with leadership and Territory Managers to execute coordinated market growth strategies.
• Support commercialization of KURZ technology platforms and strategic product offerings.
• Partner with Innovation and Design teams to develop customer concepts, samples, and manufacturable solutions.
• Translate customer requirements into technical specifications, validation plans, and launch strategies.
• Communicate market trends and customer feedback to support future product development.
• Work alongside Territory Managers to identify white-space opportunities, inactive accounts, and strategic growth targets.
• Maintain clear ownership of new business development while ensuring smooth account transitions and long-term customer support.
• Lead customer meetings, technical reviews, plant tours, presentations, and project discussions.
• Coordinate internal resources to support quoting, sampling, testing, production feasibility, and launch readiness.
• Maintain accurate opportunity records, forecasting, and pipeline management using Salesforce CRM.
• Prepare pipeline reviews and revenue forecasts for leadership while identifying project risks and resource requirements.
• Collaborate with Design, Innovation, Operations, Customer Service, and global KURZ teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Promote clear communication and accountability throughout the sales process.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer experience and business growth.
• Approx. 35%-50% Travel as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze Sales data, identify trends, and leverage insights to improve efficiency in sales.
• Team Leadership: Ability to motivate, lead, and develop a high-performing Sales team.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills to clearly articulate expectations, provide feedback, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional departments.
• Sales Process: Deep understanding of the sales process, including prospecting, needs analysis, presentation, negotiation, and closing.
• Continuous improvement: Maintain a process optimization
• Problem-Solving: Strong ability to identify errors in process, sales inefficiencies, and implement corrective actions.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make data-driven decisions that improves performance, sales forecasting, and increase revenue. 
• CRM Proficiency: Expertise in using Salesforce or similar CRM software. Familiarity with sales enablement tools and technologies.
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Experience in managing sales budgets and understanding the financial implications. 
   

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, Plastics, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant business development or technical sales experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5 or more years of experience in B2B sales, technical sales, business development, account management, or strategic market development preferred.
• Experience supporting customers within automotive, mobility, appliance, electronics, lighting, industrial, medical, defense, plastics, or related manufacturing industries strongly preferred.
• Proven success developing new business, opening strategic accounts, managing long sales cycles, and delivering revenue growth.
• Experience working with technical products, manufacturing processes, customer specifications, and project validation preferred.