UGN, a world class manufacturer of acoustic, interior trim, and thermal management products for the Japanese transplant automotive industry in North America, is seeking a Vice President of Sales and Marketing to join our team in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Summary

Under limited direction, the VP Sales and Marketing maximizes sales growth through increasing market share, develops and implements strategic sales objectives, and as final responsibility for the customer.  They are responsible for pricing strategy with consideration of profitability, ROI at the plant and corporate level.  This position will be based out of our Tinley Park, Illinois headquarters.  As an Officer of the company, the VP of Sales and Marketing reports to the President and CEO of UGN and will interact with our Board of Directors and senior management team.

Responsibilities:

  • Develops, recommends and implements pricing strategies and profitability (based on market trends and internal costs), for product offerings and alternatives.
  • Responsible for price negotiations with the customer on various levels:  long-term platforms, individual part numbers, tooling, packaging and unique situations.
  • Responsible for the formation and implementation of the cross functional team when examining new business opportunities.  The team’s duties include:  capital expenditures, payback schedule, part cost, total program timing, budgets, tooling, packaging, and all development costs.
  • Develops strategies to acquire new business and market share while improving existing or enhancing current core competencies.
  • Through regular research and analysis, maintains an awareness of competitor’s activities and it’s effect on:  customer interest, impact on market share and capital investment commitments.
  • Regularly makes presentations of a technical nature to customers, to ensure UGN is offering the best technology to the customer.
  • Maintains frequent contact with customer’s upper level management for the purpose of maximizing promotional activity, discussion on day-to-day activities and to position organization for future growth opportunities.
  • Develops annual sales budget by product, model, customer, customer plant and UGN plant.
  • Develops updated forecast per budget schedule.
  • Develops, monitors and achieves departmental annual budget expectations.
  • Responsible for obtaining goals outlined in the annual business plan.
  • Solely responsible for developing and establishing the objectives and goals of the Sales & Marketing Group as well as coaching/mentoring the team.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree required.
  • 15 plus years experience in the automotive industry.
  • 5+ years in a senior marketing management role (Director or VP level).
  • Experience working within a global organization including knowledge and experience with Japanese customers.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and abroad (estimated at 30%).
  • Candidates need to located in or willing to relocate to the Chicago area.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft applications–Word, Excel, Power Point, and Microsoft Outlook.

The ideal candidate will also be:

  • Self-motivated with the ability to understand market trends, customer needs and competitive intelligence data
  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to support or defend a position or idea in a clear, concise and persuasive manner
  • Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously within short time lines; well versed at connecting strategic objectives to tactical implementation
  • Clear demonstration of executive leadership, team commitment and ability to present and influence senior level decision-making
  • Outstanding leadership competencies, building and leading high performing teams
  • Possess superior interpersonal skills; communication and management to work in a cross-functional, collaborative and global environment
  • Highly collaborative approach and demonstrated ability to interface effectively with all levels of management, internal and external business partners
  • Possess a strong work ethic with initiative and self-direction
  • Ability to work independently, yet be highly collaborative
  • Exceptional listening skills with strong personal ethics and integrity

To apply, please email your resume to Lisa Jurack at li*********@ug*****.com