Chicago / Sales Wholesale Account Specialist

Chicago, IL, United States

The Wholesale Account Specialist plays a crucial role in expanding the network and enhancing the relationships between independent repair facilities.

This position will focus on a specific territory - Chicago. So, its 100% remote as you will need to travel to the different dealerships in the area.

Contract, long-term ongoing W2

This position focuses on 3 main areas:

1. Identifying and contacting new shop accounts

2. Promoting the adoption of key software tools, and engaging Dealers in program initiatives.

3. Target accounts - include mechanical independent repair facilities and collision body shops, with the goal of integrating these shops.

The specialists efforts will drive the adoption key electronic parts ordering (EPO) platforms - CollisionLink, OPSTrax, CCC, and RepairLink, streamlining the parts ordering process and enhancing collaboration between Dealers and shops.

Additionally, the role involves coaching Dealers to optimize software order response times and improve conversion rates.

Role Responsibilities:

New Shop Account Outreach (40%)

• Cold Calling Shops: Actively visit independent body and mechanical repair shops to form parts ordering relationships

• Identify Key Personnel: Identify and connect with the shop personnel responsible for parts ordering to ensure smooth communication and relationship-building.

• Facilitate Introductions: Facilitate live introductions between new shop customers and dealership Parts Managers and wholesale teams to build and improve direct relationships.

• Confirm Orders: Work with dealership wholesale teams to confirm and manage live customer orders through the relevant software.

• Update CRM Profiles: Regularly update customer profiles in the Wholesale CRM system to enhance email capture rates and improve the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

• Document Visits: Meticulously document all account visits and interactions in the Dealer CRM database to assist with Dealer account maintenance and ROI tracking.

Shop Software Adoption (40%)

• Identify Non-Users: Identify shops that are not currently using CollisionLink, OPS, CCC, or RepairLink EPO platforms to target them for adoption initiatives.

• Promote Collaboration: Persuade independent shops to collaborate with local authorized Dealerships by highlighting the features and benefits of the ordering platforms.

• Provide Support: Offer hands-on support to independent shops, assisting with EPO platform sign-up, installation, integration, and usage, as well as guiding them through the parts ordering process.

• Manage Issues: Actively manage and escalate any issues shops encounter with platform providers, ensuring they receive timely and effective support.

Dealer Program Engagement (20%)

• Field Coordination: Liaise with Wholesale Parts Specialist for each Dealer contact.

• Market Kickoff Participation: Participate in market kickoff events for shop visits, working closely with Dealers to introduce new accounts and platform adoption plans.

• Share Plans and Schedules: Develop and share detailed shop contact target plans and schedules for new account outreach and software adoption with Dealers and teams

• Review Sales Data: Regularly review Dealer sales data to verify EPO platform adoption and identify areas for improvement.

• Coaching Dealers: Coach Dealers on best practices for responding to orders promptly and increasing conversion rates, ensuring they maximize the benefits of the platforms.

• Escalate Opportunities: Identify and escalate Dealer opportunities to Dealer Management and Field Teams for additional support and development.

Required

• 5+ years of experience in a relevant role within the automotive or wholesale industry is required.

• Experience in wholesale parts sales

• Sales experience / sales acumen

• Communication skills - interpersonal, presentation and written

• Understanding of US automotive aftermarket

• Must be willing to travel up to 95%. Travel within set regional areas within the US.

Education: Required - Bachelors Degree

Desired

• Experience in directing sales multiple channels

• Knowledge of Aftermarket or OEM sales and supply environment

• Wholesale (Field) automotive experience

• Parts, accessory, & service marketing experience

• Retail/Parts Manager Experience

• Proficient in current Dealer DMS systems data and Office applications

• Master Degree in Business Management or Marketing

• Ability to integrate people and system process

• Influencing and negotiation skills

• Problem solving

Pay Details: $64.00 to $67.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.akkodis.com/en/us/candidate-privacy-policy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records subject to federal contractor requirements and/or security clearance requirements.

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