Business Development Representative – Automotive Air Conditioning
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Business Development Representative to join a well-established automotive parts distributor, specialising in automotive air-conditioning solutions. This is a permanent, field-based sales role covering the Island of Ireland (North and South), suited to a commercially driven individual with strong technical knowledge of automotive air-conditioning and a passion for developing long-term customer relationships.
This role combines new business development with the management of an established customer base, supporting customers to maximise sales opportunities while ensuring high standards of service, product knowledge, and account management.
Role Responsibilities:
- Identify and develop new business opportunities within the automotive air-conditioning market across Ireland.
- Manage and grow an existing customer base of approximately 100+ accounts using a structured journey plan.
- Sell the full company portfolio, including automotive air-conditioning products, rotating electrics, and related automotive components.
- Build strong relationships with Air-Conditioning Specialists, Auto-Electricians, Motor Factors, Commercial Factors, Plant Factors, and Agri Factors.
- Provide expert product knowledge, technical advice, and sales support to customers and internal sales teams.
- Support customers in maximising sales performance and ensuring effective stock rotation and merchandising.
- Implement company standards across the customer base and ensure consistent brand representation.
- Conduct regular product reviews, stock management, and merchandising activities in customer locations.
- Assist with account settlement and cash collection where required.
- Introduce and promote new products, driving adoption and sales growth.
- Gather and feedback market intelligence, competitor activity, and customer insights.
- Achieve agreed sales targets and contribute to overall company objectives.
- Maintain accurate administration, reporting, and CRM updates.
- Demonstrate flexibility to stay overnight when required due to territory coverage.
Role Requirements:
- Proven experience and expert knowledge of automotive air-conditioning, gained through repair, installation, or sales.
- Strong understanding of the Irish automotive market, brands, and customer landscape.
- Previous experience in a customer-facing sales role, with the ability to influence purchasing decisions.
- A self-starter who can work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a wider sales team.
- Highly organised, results-focused, and disciplined in time and territory management.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and long-term customer relationships.
- Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Commercially aware with good financial numeracy and business understanding.
- Comfortable working with journey plans, targets, and performance objectives.
- Computer literate, with experience using email and Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable Experience:
- Target-driven sales experience with proven achievement of objectives.
- New business development and account growth.
- Cash account collection and account settlement.
- Face-to-face sales within the automotive, commercial, or agri sectors.
- Experience selling car parts or working within the wider automotive industry is advantageous but not essential.
- Demonstrated ability to learn a new product range or industry and develop strong technical product knowledge.
Key Skills & Competencies:
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Face-to-face customer engagement
- Verbal and written presentation skills
- Excellent time management and planning ability
- Commercial awareness and business acumen
- Good administration and organisational skills
- Team participation and collaboration
- High levels of motivation and integrity
- Inquisitive mindset with a commitment to continuous learning
For a confidential discussion and more information on the role, please contact Sarra Hadi
sarra.hadi@collinsmcnicholas.ie
090-6478104
