Area Sales Manager (Zone Manager) - Automotive

Position: Zone Manager

Location: Selangor

Department: Sales Operations

Reports to: Head of Sales Distribution

Salary Range: RM 8,000 – RM 10,000

Role Overview:

The Zone Manager will be responsible for driving sales performance within an assigned zone, working closely with dealers and branch managers to develop strategic plans and ensure targets for both wholesale and vehicle registration are met. The role also involves ensuring compliance with company standards, addressing customer concerns promptly, and assisting in the expansion and development of the dealer network.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with dealers and branch managers to create and review sales plans and marketing strategies aimed at achieving monthly and quarterly sales targets.
• Ensure dealers and branch managers meet company standards related to facilities, manpower, demo vehicles, and operational processes.
• Address customer concerns within the zone, ensuring timely and effective resolutions, particularly for critical issues (within 3 working days).
• Monitor dealer performance against sales targets and assist with operational challenges faced by sales and branch managers.
• Analyze and report on competitor activities, including pricing and market trends, and provide feedback to senior management.
• Support dealer appointments and ensure operational readiness and facility upgrades within planned timelines.
• Assist in clearing aged stock (vehicles over 3 months old) and ensure timely payment, with particular focus on managing debts older than 90 days.
• Coordinate with the sales training department to ensure sales consultants receive necessary training.
• Ensure accurate and timely sales reporting from dealers and branch managers to the distribution team.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of relevant experience in the automotive industry, preferably in sales or operations.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in office software, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Leadership Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, along with excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.

Key Competencies:

The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong results-driven mindset, prioritize customer satisfaction, and exhibit leadership qualities that foster teamwork and trust. A focus on continuous improvement and the ability to make empowered decisions are key to thriving in this role.

Accountability & Impact:

The Zone Manager will be responsible for the effective implementation of sales strategies within the assigned region and achieving sales targets for their zone. This includes organizing events to attract customers to showrooms, addressing customer complaints, and ensuring exceptional service standards.

Interaction:

• Internal: Regular communication with sales, marketing, after-sales, finance, and branch operations teams.
• External: Engagement with dealer principals, sales consultants, fleet customers, corporate clients, and individual customers.

Problem Solving & Decision Making:

The Zone Manager will collaborate with sales and branch managers to create and execute sales and marketing initiatives that boost sales volumes and profitability. Problem-solving will involve addressing both customer and dealer challenges while providing strategic recommendations based on market insights.

Health, Safety & Environment Responsibilities:

The Zone Manager will ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations. They will educate supervisors on legal responsibilities, respond to incidents effectively, and work to continuously improve HSE practices.