American Battery Solutions has a full-time opening for a Director, Sales - North America in Lake Orion, Michigan.
Job Summary:
The Director, Sales - North America is responsible for growing sales opportunities and maintaining existing customers across all American Battery Solutions (ABS) product lines. This position will involve Sales Director responsibilities, including developing key growth sales strategies, tactics, and action plans. Successful execution of these strategies is required to achieve our financial targets. The Director, Sales – North America duties will include hitting annual targets, building relationships, and understanding customer trends.
The role will be responsible for managing and mentoring sales team members, prospecting, account management, closing new accounts, retaining current customers, analyzing competitors, and keeping abreast of new technologies. They will have good technical knowledge of lithium-ion batteries, the electric vehicle (EV), and industrial market segments, and will have relationships with OEMs, integrators, and distributors in these markets.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy for the North American region aligned with company goals.
- Identify target market segments (e.g., commercial EVs, off-highway vehicles, specialty vehicles) and prioritize go-to-market efforts.
- Translate technical product capabilities into customer-centric value propositions.
- Build and manage a robust pipeline of OEMs, fleet operators, and integrators.
- Lead the identification and pursuit of new strategic accounts and partnerships.
- Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry events.
- Own key customer relationships to ensure satisfaction, retention, and growth.
- Serve as the commercial lead during Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Request for Information (RFI) processes, collaborating with engineering, finance, and legal teams.
- Work closely with program managers to ensure a seamless transition from sale to delivery.
- Create accurate revenue forecasts, market intelligence reports, and performance dashboards.
- Report regularly to executive leadership on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), wins/losses, risks, and market feedback.
- Adjust forecasts and tactics based on evolving market conditions and customer needs.
- Collaborate with product management and engineering to provide customer feedback and influence product roadmap.
- Partner with marketing to support campaigns, case studies, and content creation tailored to North American prospects.
- Support operations and supply chain teams with demand forecasting and delivery planning.
- Build and mentor a high-performing sales team as the organization scales.
- Foster a culture of accountability, performance, and technical excellence.
- Champion the company’s values and mission in all external engagements
- Lead contract negotiations and close deals with an eye on profitability and long-term customer value.
- Understand battery pack pricing models, total cost of ownership, and warranty/service terms.
- Monitor competitors, pricing trends, and market dynamics in the EV and electrification space.
- Provide strategic insights to inform product differentiation and market positioning.
- Adhere to federal and state regulations.
- Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
- Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
- Predictable and reliable attendance.
Position Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering or an equivalent field.
- Minimum of five (5) years experience in Lithium-ion battery sales or business development role.
- Minimum of ten (10) years experience in a professional business environment.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience.
- Consultative selling skills, with the ability to understand customer needs and develop a winning solution. Demonstrated success influencing senior-level stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate, present and influence all levels of the organization, including executive and C-level.
- Proven ability to drive the sales process from plan to close.
- Proven ability to articulate the distinct aspects of products and services.
- Proven ability to position products against competitors.
- Demonstrable and proven experience as head of sales or director of sales, developing client-focused, differentiated and achievable solutions, meeting or exceeding targets.
- Ability to work in a dynamic start-up environment where initiative and ownership is required.
- Must be highly self-motivated and proactive.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite & Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
Key Competencies:
- Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.
- Delivers Results: Achievement-oriented, feeling a sense of urgency to reach goals on time, if not before.
- Identifies Growth Opportunities: Continually looks for business/service growth opportunities. Takes action to improv things to achieve continuous improvement.
- Customer Focus: Anticipates and takes action to meet customer needs. Establishes and maintains a productive and effective working relationship with customers, both internal and external, and gains their trust and respect.
- Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish team goals and organizational objectives.
- Communications: Exchanges thoughts, feelings, and information effectively.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen.
- Occasionally move about in industrial environments, and on uneven terrain.
- Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments.
- The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.
- Ability to maintain single-task focus and situational awareness.
Why Join Us
American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Benefits Overview
- Paid time off includes 3 weeks vacation, up to 72 hours sick, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
- Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
- Voluntary benefits offerings.
- Tuition assistance.
- Employee Referral Program.
- Employee development and career growth opportunities.
About Us
American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business.
As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.
The Location - Lake Orion
American Battery Solutions Headquarters and Innovation Center is located in the heart of South-East Michigan in Orion Township. Orion Township is a Pure Michigan Trail Town that has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. The township boasts more than 50 miles of trails. Southeast Michigan also boasts some of the best eating around! Whether your interest is in furthering your education, enjoying one of the many regional sporting events, or enjoying the vast outdoors that Michigan has to offer, you’ll be at the center of it here!
AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
