Director, Automotive Licensing - HEARST BUSINESS MEDIA CORP

At Black Book, we’re proud to announce that we are adding a Director, Automotive Licensing, to focus on the expansion and utilization of our suite of data and analytics-oriented products and services utilized by dealer groups, insurance companies, rental and fleet management companies, auctions, data and software companies, and value-added resellers (VAR’s) serving the industry. 

Reporting to the VP, Sales and based in our suburban Atlanta corporate headquarters, this rare opportunity to join an industry leader, in a high-profile role, will focus on driving incremental revenue for Black Book by leveraging existing relationships and forging new, strategic partnerships.   Our candidate will be a proven sales and industry professional that exhibits confidence, clear communication, positive results, and the ability to influence key decision makers.  At the same time, this role is designed for an individual that has an expansive industry network, is well versed in all things automotive data related, and preferably has practical experience in licensing data in competitive B2B environments.

This is not an entry level role, nor a role for someone that does not have an extensive background successfully calling on verticals within the automotive space.

Diverse and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Utilizing your knowledge of the automotive industry, companies that serve the space, and data needed to power the industry, our candidate will work to identify and qualify new prospects, while cementing and expanding relationships with current customers and key industry leaders
• Specific areas of focus will include vehicle vin decoding, valuations, market level retail data, EV data and other Black Book data, products, and services
• Establish and maintain relationships with industry 'influencers' and key strategic partners 
• Introduce, educate, and promote Black Book products, data, and capabilities to a variety of segments, organizations, and stakeholders within the automotive industry including:
  • Dealer Groups
  • Auctions
  • Remarketers
  • Digital Retailing
  • Equity Mining
  • Lead Generation 
  • CRM
  • DMS
  • Insurance Carriers
  • Fleet Management and Rental Car Companies
  • Marketing and Advertising Agencies
• Perform needs analysis on existing accounts and potential new clients to identify opportunities and match the best solution with customer needs
• Assist the company in achieving annual revenue goals through development of new and existing accounts
• Work closely with Black Book analytics teams to collaborate with business stakeholders on custom analytical solutions
• Conduct market and competitor analysis and report findings
• Work closely with sales leadership to develop and implement new sales initiatives, and provide input to Black Book Leadership Team regarding sales strategies and future planning
• Prospect, build and maintain an annual sales plan in support of organizational strategy and objectives to meet or exceed revenue goals (monthly, quarterly, and annual)
• Through the utilization of tools including SalesForce.com, place a high emphasis on active pipeline management, including proper vetting of opportunities, accuracy in forecasting, probability to close, etc.

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• 15+ years or greater experience in a sales role within the automotive/automotive finance industry, with a preference for a strong automotive data and analytics background
• Deep understanding of how automotive data is utilized within the automotive space, especially by the organizations who power the different verticals within 
• Extensive, well-established network within the industry
• Experience with software sales, database licensing and/or related technology sales
• Demonstrated track recording of meeting/exceeding sales and financial objectives both within individual and team settings
• Commission and/or variable based compensation experience
• Highly developed collaborative sales and relationship management skills
• Exceptional critical and analytical thinking skills
• High degree of comfort with technology, data, and analytics
• Up to date on current sales and marketing trends, including social media, whitepapers, blogs, etc.
• Assertive and motivated
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent presentation and demonstration skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
• Ability to travel, with frequency as much as 2-3 nights per week when needed