Brand Field Specialist - Illinois

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Field Specialist - Illinois

🔹 Company: Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc.

🔹 Location: Illinois - Illinois

🔹 Job Type: Other

🔹 Category: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-09

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Engaging with prospective and existing dealers within an assigned territory
• Signing new associate dealers to Falken Fanatic or Dunlop programs
• Ensuring proper merchandising at each newly signed location
• Facilitating initial dealer engagement with the brand
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with local distributor sales representatives and internal SRNA staff

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a remote setting for extended periods.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Solution Selling: Identify, engage, and close deals with prospective clients by providing tailored solutions to their business needs.

✅ Program Sales: Achieve sales goals by signing new associate dealers within the assigned territory.

✅ Customer Support: Provide ongoing updates to associate dealers regarding program changes, new products, and other relevant information.

✅ Sales Presentations: Develop and deliver compelling presentations to prospective associate dealers.

✅ Problem Resolution: Identify market opportunities and efficiently resolve challenges.

✅ Dealer Development: Expand and strengthen the dealer and distributor network.

✅ Relationship Building: Foster strong relationships with dealers, distributors, and internal teams through effective communication.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves frequent travel, with the expectation of spending 80% of time traveling in the assigned territory.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Management, or a related field from an accredited college preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: Two to Three (2-3) years of experience in a sales field, preferably in the automotive or tire industry.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills
• Organized, deadline-driven, detailed-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to travel extensively (80% of time)

Preferred Skills:

• Automotive retail experience

ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role, candidates with previous sales experience and a strong work ethic are likely to succeed in this position.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $72,800.00 - $85,280.00 Base+Commission/year

Benefits:

• Monthly commission payout

Working Hours: Full-time, with extensive travel required (80% of time).

ASSUMPTION: The salary range listed is the total compensation that includes base salary and potential monthly commission, with further details to be discussed during the interview process.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: Not specified

Company Description:

• Sumitomo Rubber North America comprises Falken Tires and Dunlop Motorcycle Tires
• Falken Tires offers a wide range of car and light-truck tire models, serving nine distinct categories and more than 300 sizes
• Dunlop Motorcycle Tires focuses on developing innovative motorcycle tire technology for various racing disciplines

Company Specialties:

• Tire manufacturing
• Automotive and motorcycle tire technology
• Sales and marketing

Company Website: Sumitomo Rubber North America

ASSUMPTION: Sumitomo Rubber North America is a well-established company in the tire manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on innovation and quality.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with potential for growth within the sales department or related fields

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Sales Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, with extensive travel required (80% of time)

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within the sales department, such as promotions to Sales Manager or Regional Sales Manager
• Expansion into related fields, such as marketing or product management
• Potential opportunities in international markets, given the company's global presence

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role may lead to increased responsibilities, higher compensation, and potential career advancement opportunities within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office in Rancho Cucamonga, California

Office Location(s): 8656 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730, US

Geographic Context:

• Illinois - The role is based in Illinois, with frequent travel required within the assigned territory
• Rancho Cucamonga, California - The corporate office is located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where onboarding and training will take place

Work Schedule: Full-time, with extensive travel required (80% of time)

ASSUMPTION: The work environment consists of daily travel involving trucks and trailers, cars, outdoor motorsport venues, entertainment facilities, restaurants, sports environments, and office environments, as well as inclement weather based on customer location.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Background check and reference verification
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales skills and experience
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Adaptability and resilience
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant sales experience and achievements in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and company
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on sales scenarios
• Research the company and industry to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm

ATS Keywords: Brand Field Specialist, Sales, Dealer, Associate Dealer, Falken, Dunlop, Tire Industry, Automotive, Solution Selling, Program Sales, Customer Support, Sales Presentations, Problem Resolution, Dealer Development, Relationship Building, Market Knowledge, Strategic Sales, Territory Management, Communication Skills, Organizational Skills, Self-Motivation, Detail Orientation, Resilience, Positive Attitude, Continuous Learning

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should emphasize their sales experience, communication skills, and ability to work independently in a remote setting during the application and interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• CRM software (specific platform not mentioned)
• Sales presentation software (specific platform not mentioned)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in MS Office and CRM software is essential for this role, as they are used daily for communication, reporting, and sales presentations.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to automotive excellence
• Quality and innovation in tire manufacturing
• Strong relationships with customers, dealers, and distributors

Work Style:

• Independent and self-motivated
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic work environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of success in a sales role?
• Are you comfortable working independently and traveling extensively?
• Do you possess strong communication and presentation skills?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the company's values and possess a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently are likely to be a good fit for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Extensive travel requirements (80% of time)
• Working in a remote setting with limited supervision
• Dealing with rejection and overcoming sales objections
• Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to face these challenges and possess the necessary skills and resilience to succeed in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other field sales positions, but with a focus on the tire industry and dealer engagement
• Unlike other sales roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the tire industry and its specific market dynamics
• Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in related fields, such as marketing or product management

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles in the tire industry and consider their unique aspects when preparing for the interview process.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and delivering a compelling sales presentation to a potential associate dealer
• Identifying market opportunities and proposing solutions to increase sales within the assigned territory
• Collaborating with internal SRNA staff to improve dealer engagement and merchandising

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant sales experience and provide examples of successful projects or initiatives they have led in the past.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role contribute to the overall success of the company's sales strategy?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the sales department or related fields?
• How does the company support work-life balance for employees with extensive travel requirements?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on sales scenarios
• Research the company and industry to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, if you haven't heard back

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.