The Amerex Defense Sales Manager is responsible for maximizing sales and generating growth of fire protection and suppression systems within all levels of the US military and government. The position requires the management of key independent defense and government distributors. Additionally, responsibilities include developing successful end-user influence strategies at the military branch level as well developing and cementing relationships with vehicle OEM’s who are awarded contracts to install fire suppression and explosion suppression systems.

• Develop and implement an effective strategy to manage distribution to maximize military and government exposure to Amerex product solicitations at optimal gross margins. 
• Understand the competitive landscape of the existing fire suppression industry and tailor RFQ responses appropriately. 
• Research and anticipate all major military vehicle programs and position the Amerex fire / explosion suppression solutions for success with the chosen vehicle OEM’s.
• Attend relevant industry conferences, and present where applicable, where Amerex solutions can be highlighted to procurement decision-making personnel.
• Assist in demonstrating or presenting new Amerex products to decision makers with the assistance of various Amerex engineering, marketing and/or project managers.
• Work with Amerex engineering and project manager to develop system pricing proposals for prospective or established vehicle OEM customers.
• Identify and cost-justify new product needs and submit to management for approval and engineering implementation.
• Work closely with inside sales support personnel daily to coordinate all sales activities.
• Support Amerex commercial and international sales team members as needed for maximum market penetration of cross-over products.    
• Submit all administrative reports and communications in a complete and timely manner including CRM updates, sales plans, quarterly objectives, expense reports and weekly / monthly report information.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time. Responsibilities require occasional participation in company, customer, and trade events during evenings or weekends.         

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university – business, marketing, engineering, or liberal arts degree preferred. Ten years or more fire and life safety industry experience may be considered in lieu of degree. 
• 5-10 years of relevant work experience desired; retired military strongly encouraged to apply
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft business programs (Excel, Teams, BI, Word) CRM, web and social media
• Military experience with ground vehicle fleet maintenance, upgrades, logistics a plus
• Knowledge of basic 24VDC electrical vehicle fire suppression systems a plus
• Understanding of government (DLA) contract award processes desired
• Relocation not required, though location in eastern / southeastern US is desired  
• Must be a US Citizen
• Initiative-taking, customer-focused
• Strong work ethic, hands-on, autonomous problem solving
• Team player, goal-focused
• Excellent communications oral, written and presentation skills
• Adaptable to new situations; ability to balance multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Attention to detail under pressure
• Ability to interface on a technical level with Amerex and customer engineering teams
• Ability to review and understand customer performance specifications and make product recommendations