Regional Sales Manager

Company Overview:

Sonny Merryman is a nationally recognized leader in the bus and vehicle industry. For nearly 60 years, we’ve built our reputation on quality, service, and innovation. Today, we’re embracing new markets, new technologies, and new opportunities — and we’re looking for the right person to help us grow into the future. At Sonny Merryman, you’ll find both stability from our legacy and the flexibility to shape a role that supports your strengths while driving company success.

Job Description:

The School Bus Regional Sales Manager plays a pivotal role in driving sales and fostering strong customer relationships within the eastern region of Virginia (primarily east of I-95). 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 Regional 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. The School Bus Regional Sales Manager reports directly to the Director of Marketing & School Bus Sales. 

Responsibilities:

Sales Generation and Management (50%)

• Proactively identify and pursue sales opportunities within their region
• Establish, pursue, and track annual target sales accounts
• Collaborate with Director of Marketing & School Bus Sales on deals and pricing
• Produce sales quotes in accordance with state and customer specifications
• Research and develop product advantage specifications
• Maintain a knowledge base of customer-preferred product specifications
• Track and keep customer abreast of order status and updates throughout the sales process
• Participate in and provide support for customer deliveries
• Mitigate order and sales challenges in cooperation with Director of Marketing & School Bus Sales
• Be knowledgeable of and promote funding strategies and sources to aid customers in achieving product purchase goals
• Prepare financing deals and strategies in partnership with the internal finance team and Daimler Finance partners
• Participate in regional, state, and national industry events and conferences to promote brand awareness and drive sales growth

Customer Relationship Management (35%)

• 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, striving for an average of 2-3 monthly touchpoints and a minimum of one in-person touchpoint every other month for each customer
• Demonstrate comprehensive product knowledge and expertise to effectively address customer inquiries and provide tailored solutions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to facilitate positive customer experiences and resolve issues or challenges
• Act as a dedicated advocate for customers while concurrently safeguarding the company's financial interests and overarching objectives
• Host customers on OEM tours, educational events, and customer-appreciation outings
• Provide customer contact updates for customer relationship management database

Product and Industry Experience Knowledge (15%)

• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform sales strategies and enhance product offerings
• 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 developments

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business/marketing/related field or equivalent experience required
• Knowledge of school buses, vehicle systems, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) (preferred)
• 5 years of sales experience (preferred)
• Centrally located within their region of responsibility (preferred)
• 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)

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