Account Manager – Exhaust & Performance

Description

Location: Statesville, NC

Compensation: Base + Commission + Bonus

Overview

Kooks Headers & Exhaust is seeking a results-driven Account Manager to oversee and grow a portfolio of 50-100 B2B accounts while actively prospecting and securing new business opportunities. This role requires a motivated sales professional who thrives on building relationships, making cold calls, and driving revenue in the performance automotive space.

The Account Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for distributors, dealers, performance shops, private label partners, and key commercial accounts-ensuring they receive exceptional support while continuously expanding Kooks’ market presence.

Key Responsibilities:

Account Management

• Manage, support, and grow an assigned portfolio of 50-100 active accounts across the automotive performance, motorsports, and private label sectors.
• Act as the primary contact for pricing, product questions, fitment guidance, order requirements, and general account needs.
• Conduct regular check-ins, business reviews, and strategic planning calls to enhance sales volume and customer retention.
• Monitor account performance and proactively address declining sales or new opportunities.

New Business Development

• Prospect and cold call potential new dealers, distributors, and private label customers to expand the Kooks network.
• Generate leads through research, industry events, networking, and market outreach.
• Develop and deliver tailored sales presentations explaining Kooks product advantages and value propositions.
• Convert prospects into active accounts and maintain a healthy pipeline for continuous growth.

Sales Execution

• Work toward monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets with a focus on revenue growth and new account activation.
• Prepare quotes, proposals, and pricing packages in alignment with company strategy.
• Collaborate with Marketing to execute promotions and campaigns that support your territory or portfolio.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Technical Support, Customer Service, and Production to ensure account needs are fulfilled on time and to Kooks quality standards.
• Support private-label and industrial customers by coordinating on product requirements, timelines, and special projects.
• Assist with forecasting, demand planning, and product feedback to improve customer satisfaction and product development.

Industry & Market Insight

• Stay current on performance automotive trends, competitor activity, customer needs, and emerging market opportunities.
• Represent Kooks professionally at trade shows, races, open houses, and industry events as needed.

Requirements

• 3-5+ years of sales, account management, or business development experience, preferably in the performance automotive, aftermarket, motorsports, or related manufacturing industries.
• Proven experience managing a book of business and driving revenue growth.
• Comfortable with cold calling, prospecting, and creating new business from scratch.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with Microsoft 365, Teams, CRM systems, and ERP platforms.
• Ability to interpret product details, fitment considerations, and technical specifications (automotive knowledge strongly preferred).
• Highly organized with strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel to meet customers, visit shops, and attend events as needed.
• Automotive passion or motorsports background is a strong plus.
• Experience with headers, exhaust components, or performance parts beneficial (not required).

Company Benefits

• Company-paid Cardone University Sales Training
• FunEx discounts
• Travel reimbursement
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance with buy-up options
• 401(k) after one year
• Sick pay, PTO, and paid holidays
• Health Savings Account
• Company-provided uniforms after 90 days
• Salary Range 50-65k based on experience plus commission + bonus