Bus & Vehicle Sales Manager

The Bus & Vehicle Sales Manager is responsible for driving sales activity across a wide range of vehicle and bus products, including Type A/mini school buses, activity buses, and various commercial vehicles. Beyond generating sales, this role embodies customer advocacy, serving as a trusted product expert and provider of solutions tailored to meet unique customer needs.

As the frontline representative of the company, the Sales Manager acts as a liaison between customers and internal departments, ensuring seamless communication and effective relationship management. With a focus on understanding and addressing customer requirements, this position is instrumental in driving customer satisfaction and loyalty while achieving sales targets. Bus & Vehicle Sales Manager reports directly to the Director of Marketing & School Bus Sales. This position is intentionally designed with flexibility to adapt to the company’s growing sales needs and to seize emerging opportunities across all vehicle and bus markets.

Customer Relationship Management (30%)

• Build and maintain loyal relationships with customers, serving as their dedicated point-of-contact and trusted advisor
• Maintain a regular cadence of customer contact and visits
• Work closely with customers on their special needs/requests including branding and potential trade-in units
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to facilitate positive customer experiences and resolve issues or challenges. Coordination with various internal teams for prep and delivery.
• Provide after the sale customer support. Facilitate communications with service team to address customer issues/needs.
• Participate in and provide support for customer deliveries including in-service driver/vehicle orientation.
• Host customers on OEM tours, educational events, and customer-appreciation outings

Sales Generation and Management (30%)

• Proactively identify and pursue sales opportunities within the dealerships AOR.
• Establish, pursue, and track annual target sales accounts
• Work closely with School Bus Admin & Sales Teams to determine annual product / inventory needs
• Collaborate with Director of Marketing & School Bus Sales on deals, contracts, and pricing
• Produce sales quotes in accordance with state and customer specifications. Maintain records and contact information of all inquiries.
• Coordinate orders for both custom and stock chassis and bus bodies – inclusive of models, seating configurations, specifications
• Track and keep customer updated of order status and progress throughout the sales process
• Support school bus sales team’s efforts to promote sales to public schools  
• Participate in regional, state, and national industry events and conferences to promote brand awareness and drive sales growth.
• Collaborate with marketing team to promote products and services related to the Sales Manager’s responsibilities

Product and Industry Experience Knowledge (20%)

• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform sales strategies and enhance product offerings
• Demonstrate comprehensive product knowledge and expertise to effectively address customer inquiries and provide tailored solutions and options.
• Maintain a knowledge base of customer-preferred product specifications
• Research and develop product advantage specifications
• Knowledge of federal (FMVSS) and state VDOE regulations and laws pertaining to both school and activity buses
• Actively participate in ongoing product training, events, and meetings with OEM partners
• Stay informed about advancements and new technologies in the school bus industry, emerging technologies, and best practices
• Maintain regular engagement with OEM representatives to stay in-tune with latest product developments

Finance and Leasing, other dealership support (20%)

• Familiar with financing and lease options. Develop expert Finance and Lease solutions to fit various Customer needs across all business units
• Strong working relationship with Daimler Truck Finance (DTF)
• Prepare financing deals and strategies in partnership with the internal finance team and Daimler Finance partners
• Oversee and improve internal Finance and Lease administrative processes across all business units.
• Support retail sales for commercial vehicles with strong knowledge of product offerings and applications.

Expectations/Successes:

The Bus & Vehicle Sales Manager is responsible for overseeing all sales activities and customer engagement within their AOR. Success is measured by: (1) customer loyalty and repeat business, satisfaction, and relationships, (2) market share and sales volume, (3) OEM, network, and industry recognition. This individual will work in-office from one of our four locations (Evington, VA; Ashland, VA; Chesapeake, VA; Bristow,VA)

Minimum Qualification & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business/marketing/related field OR equivalent experience
• Knowledge of products within the bus and commercial vehicle industry (preferred)
• 5 years of sales experience (preferred)
• Located within Virginia OR willing to travel
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and customer-service skills
• Keen attention to detail and intricacies of crafting sales proposals
• Problem-solving and winning mindset
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs, specifically OneDrive, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Self-motivated to work independently while also maintaining a team-oriented mentality
• Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holder (preferred)
• Remote and in-office working environment with 30-40% travel required (primarily within Virginia)
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and evolving responsibilities to meet company sales needs and seize new opportunities.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting: Salary: Competitive and flexible — we’re more focused on finding the right person than fitting into a box.
• Annual performance bonuses
• Company vehicle & phone
• Employee stock-owned company (ESOP) retirement benefits
• Optional 401K
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• 8 annual holidays PTO