Country Sales Manager (India) - Cutting Tools

Position Overview:

The National Sales Manager will lead in driving the sales growth of cutting tools (specifically end mills and drills) across India. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to develop a successful sales team, manage distributor relationships, and tailor solutions for the diverse needs of Indias industrial landscape. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in industrial B2B sales, preferably in the cutting tools or precision tooling industry, and will be able to navigate both traditional and modern machining environments to drive sales performance. This position reports to the Sales Director International Market.

Key Responsibilities:

National Sales Strategy Development and Execution

• Develop and execute a national sales strategy to grow the market for cutting tools (end mills & drills) across India, focusing on both established manufacturing hubs and emerging regions.
• Set aggressive sales targets, monitor progress, and take corrective actions to ensure consistent revenue growth.
• Leverage market insights to identify high-potential industries (automotive, aerospace, medical, etc.) and regions for expansion.
• Work closely with the Product Management Team in Malaysia to align sales strategies with product offerings that cater to the local needs.

Building and Leading the Sales Team

• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing sales team across India, with clear KPIs, sales targets, and personal development plans for each member.
• Cultivate a collaborative and results-driven culture, ensuring that the team is motivated, supported, and focused on achieving business goals.
• Provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to ensure the team remains informed, adaptable, and capable of handling the evolving demands of the Indian market.
• Foster a sales team culture of customer-centricity, innovation, and technical excellence.

Distributor Network Development & Management

• Identify, recruit, and establish partnerships with distributors who can effectively promote and sell the companys cutting tools in key industrial regions of India.
• Develop strong, long-term relationships with distributors and key decision-makers, ensuring they are well-trained on product features, benefits, and applications.
• Manage distributor performance, ensuring they meet or exceed sales targets, uphold product quality standards, and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Provide ongoing technical and commercial support to distributors to ensure successful market penetration and product adoption.

Customer Relationship & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers (OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, end-users) across India, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts and resolve any product-related issues, challenges, or inquiries promptly.
• Actively participate in customer meetings, product demos, and application support to enhance customer satisfaction and drive tool adoption.
• Stay updated on customer requirements and feedback, sharing insights with the Product Management Team to drive continuous product improvements.

Sales Forecasting, Reporting, and Performance Monitoring

• Prepare and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual sales forecasts for India, ensuring alignment with broader regional and global goals.
• Regularly track sales performance and provide detailed reports on KPIs, sales trends, competitor activities, and market feedback to senior management.
• Analyze sales data, identify key growth areas, and implement actionable plans to optimize performance across regions.
• Use CRM systems to track customer interactions, pipeline management, and follow-ups.

Market Intelligence and Competitor Analysis

• Monitor the competitive landscape, understanding both local and international competitors, and devise strategies to differentiate the companys products.
• Gather and share intelligence on market trends, customer needs, pricing strategies, and product feedback with the leadership and product management teams.
• Develop targeted solutions to address specific challenges in the market (e.g., price-sensitive customers, SMEs, quality-focused clients).

Collaboration with Product Management and Marketing Teams

• Work closely with the Product Management Team to ensure the cutting tool product offerings meet the evolving needs of the Indian market, especially in end mills and drills.
• Provide feedback on customer demands, emerging trends, and the performance of existing products to guide future developments.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Team to design tailored campaigns, promotional materials, and events that resonate with Indian customers.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related fields. MBA or other sales certifications are a plus.
• Experience: At least 12-15 years of experience in industrial sales, with a strong focus on selling cutting tools, precision machining products, or related technologies.
• Proven experience in managing and leading a national sales team.
• Experience working with distributors and channel partners, especially in Indias diverse market landscape.
• Deep understanding of the Indian manufacturing sector, including key industries like automotive, aerospace, and general engineering.
• Experience in product positioning, pricing strategies, and sales negotiations.
• Strong technical knowledge of cutting tools, specifically end mills and drills, and their application in various industries.
• Ability to work with CRM tools for pipeline management and reporting.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence key stakeholders and build lasting relationships.