Sales Manager - Channel Marketing & Market Development (Automotive Replacement - Korea

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Market Development (Automotive Replacement Focus)

• Build and execute a strategy to grow Gates’ share in the automotive replacement/aftermarket sector.
• Identify and develop new distribution opportunities across Korea.
• Drive penetration into workshops, retailers, and independent repair channels.
• Conduct competitor analysis and propose pricing/positioning strategies.

Channel & Partner Management

• Develop strong, trust-based relationships with distributors and key customers.
• Support partners with sales programs, promotions, and technical/product knowledge.
• Negotiate contracts, incentives, and channel programs to drive growth.
• Track and measure channel performance, ensuring achievement of sales targets.

Sales & Marketing Execution

• Conduct frequent field visits to customers, workshops, and distributors.
• Plan and deliver promotional campaigns, roadshows, and training activities.
• Gather customer feedback and market insights to shape future product offerings.
• Work closely with regional/global teams to localize brand and marketing campaigns.

Reporting & Forecasting

• Provide accurate market intelligence, channel pipeline, and sales forecasts.
• Report regularly on aftermarket performance and opportunities.
• Recommend new business models and tactical initiatives to accelerate growth.

Keys to Success

• Beyond the core responsibilities, the successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Commercial Agility: Ability to adapt pricing, promotions, and channel strategies quickly in response to competitive pressures and market shifts.
  • Cross-Cultural Exposure: Experience working in multinational environments, balancing global standards with local market realities.
  • Analytical Mindset: Skilled at turning market intelligence and customer insights into actionable strategies.
  • Technical Curiosity: Comfort engaging with product and engineering teams to translate technical strengths into commercial value.
  • Influence Without Authority: Ability to collaborate across functions (supply chain, marketing, regional teams) and align stakeholders without direct reporting lines.
  • Resilience & Persistence: Comfortable with a high-activity, field-oriented role that requires persistence to win in a competitive aftermarket.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: A “builder” mindset—taking ownership to carve out Gates’ share in the Korean automotive replacement space.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

Must-Have:

• 5–8 years of experience in channel sales/marketing, ideally in automotive aftermarket or industrial replacement markets.
• Strong commercial acumen with hands-on experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to engage in aggressive field sales and frequent customer interaction.

Preferred:

• Engineering or technical background (Mechanical/Automotive preferred).
• Experience in a multinational company environment.
• Deep knowledge of Korea’s automotive replacement ecosystem (distributors, workshops, retailers).
• Fluent in Korean with good command of English.

LEADERSHIP/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

TRAVEL: Not Required

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office