Zone Sales Manager - Automotive Refinish - Midwest

**Field position / company car provided

**Must live near a major metropolitan area/airport in the Midwest

We are looking for a Zone Sales Manager to join our Automotive Refinish team in the Midwest.

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions offers high-quality refinish paint brands and paint-related products to body shops from around the world. Our solutions are approved by the world’s leading automotive manufacturers for the repair of their vehicles. We provide collision centers with a vast array of solutions that help drive their business performance and efficiency. At the heart of our business are our people and our trainers who take care of our customers’ needs including car painting skills, advanced body shop management solutions, and sophisticated management solutions.

The Regional Zone Sales Manager is responsible for driving profitable growth within the assigned region by managing a high-performing sales and operations team. This role oversees distribution partnerships and end-user engagement to expand market share, strengthen relationships, and deliver exceptional customer value. The Manager will lead a team consisting of Operations Managers, Sales Representatives, Technical Representatives, and Business Development Managers, ensuring alignment with company objectives and fostering continuous development for team success. Additionally, the Zone Sales Manager will partner with sales leadership and Human Resources to proactively manage all levels of team performance to continue driving growth.

As a Zone Sales Manager - Automotive Refinish - Midwest, you create chemistry by...

• Developing and executing regional sales strategies to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
• Managing relationships with distributors and key end‑users to maximize market penetration.
• Identifying new business opportunities and driving initiatives for growth within the automotive refinish segment.
• Leading, coaching, and mentoring a team of Operations Managers and Sales Representatives.
• Setting clear performance goals and providing ongoing feedback and development plans.
• Fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Overseeing technical support and business development activities to ensure a superior customer experience.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to optimize supply chain, pricing, and promotional programs.
• Monitoring KPIs and implementing corrective actions to maintain operational efficiency.
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with distributors and top Zone customers to ensure alignment on sales objectives and overall customer satisfaction.
• Engaging with end‑users to understand needs, provide solutions, and strengthen brand loyalty.
• Representing the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings.
• Analyzing market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform strategy.
• Preparing accurate sales forecasts, budgets, and performance reports.
• Ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

If you have...

• a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of sales experience in automotive refinish or a related industry.
• Proven track record of managing sales through distribution channels.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel within the region as required.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF . We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact [email protected] to report fraud.

Pay transparency

BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $160,000 - $200,000. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.