Senior Manager - Sales - Bus & Automotive OEM Segment - Automotive Adhesives & Sealants

Role Overview

We are seeking a high-caliber Sales professional with deep technical expertise in 1K/2K Polyurethane, Silicones, and Hybrid (STP/MS Polymer) technologies. This role is specifically focused on the Bus Body Building and Automotive OEM segment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of converting specifications at the design stage and managing large-scale accounts in the transportation sector.

Key Responsibilities

- Market Penetration: Identify and secure new business within the Bus Body Building hubs (OEMs like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and private builders like JCBL, MG Group, etc.).

- Technical Specification: Work closely with customer R&D and Production teams to specify silicone, PU, and hybrid solutions for applications such as direct glazing, structural bonding, and exterior seam sealing.

- Account Management: Manage the end-to-end sales cycle for Tier-1 automotive accounts, ensuring high retention and share-of-wallet growth.

- Competitor Intelligence: Monitor and counter strategies from key MNC competitors (Sika, Henkel, Dow, Wacker, Bostik).

- Solution Selling: Conduct technical trials and demonstrations on the shop floor to prove the value proposition of Hybrid/PU systems over mechanical fasteners or inferior sealants.

(Must-Haves)

- Domain Expertise: Minimum 8+ years of sales experience in industrial adhesives and sealants.

- Product Knowledge: Expert-level understanding of Silicone, Polyurethane (PU), and Hybrid (SMP) chemistries.

- Industry Network: Established relationships within the Bus Body Building ecosystem and Automotive OEMs.

- Professional Pedigree: Direct experience working at Sika (highly preferred), Henkel, Dow, Wacker, or Bostik.

- Education: B.Tech/B.E. in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science. An MBA in Marketing is a strong plus.

Technical Skills Required

- Knowledge of automotive standards (e.g., UV resistance, vibration dampening, and flame retardancy like UL-94 V-0).

- Familiarity with application equipment (pumps, static mixers, and automated dispensing).

- Strong negotiation skills for high-volume annual contracts.