Government Affairs Director jobs in Portsmouth, VA

At Laborde Products, we have a history of developing foreign engine brands in the North American market and are currently looking for a Government Sales Representative to facilitate the sales and marketing of our marine products and services to commercial and military propulsion customers within an assigned territory.  Technical product expertise with a specification mindset is needed to impact end-user buying and spec documents on both existing and new product introductions.  The ideal candidate for this position has a strong track record of driving successful sales to military and federal agencies. 

In this role, you will:

• Work with our existing commercial and military customers to quote and sell current product offerings.
• Leads all activities related to U.S. Government customer engagement and develops long-term relationships to foster continued and expanded business.
• Plan and allocate time for sales activities with each distributor, major account, and to each major job, in an assigned territory or on assigned accounts based on sales potential.
• Supervise government website registrations (SAM), RFQ quoting, and respond to RFPs; Oversee bid process through to conclusion.
• Oversee the order processing and fulfillment process for military sales; Work with support teams (purchasing, accounting, warehouse, etc.) to ensure that all information is up to date in the system and that orders are delivered in a timely fashion.
• Coordinate customer service activities.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge on government regulations, market changes, competitor activities, and trends that may affect the product and industry and advises department managers and staff of findings.
• Identify future developmental opportunities; work with internal departments to develop new products and services to meet the needs of the customer.
• Maintains accurate records within CRM, including sales call reports and other customer documentation.
• May perform other duties as required by business needs.

Qualifications we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree is highly preferred, but prior sales and military experience may be substituted.
• Experience with military programs and agencies required.
• Marine industry experience preferred.
• Experience with customer relationship management software is required.
• Demonstrated success in qualifying opportunities involving multiple key decision makers.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Security Clearance.
• Requires the ability to lift items up to 50 lbs. on occasion.

Skills you will need:

• Thorough knowledge of government contracts and bidding process.
• Demonstrated ability to convert prospects and close deals while maintaining established sales quotas.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and/or technical skills.
• Professional demeanor, selling style, and appearance.
• Strong knowledge of retail and/or wholesale sales principles, methods, practices, and techniques
• Strong problem identification and objection resolution skills.
• Ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with customers.
• Self-motivated, with high energy, positive attitude, and an engaging level of enthusiasm.
• Exceptional verbal communication, listening and presentation skills.
• Willing to face complex issues head on and work through challenges to build a stronger organization.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well individually and as part of a team with diverse personalities. Tactful and mature.
• Strong customer service mentality.

Work Schedule and Benefits:

• This is a full-time position. At a minimum, the workdays and hours are Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm local time. Must be prepared to adjust work schedule to accommodate customer demands and meet company requirements.
• Must be able to meet with customers outside under all weather conditions and must be able to travel by car and plane for long distances.
• Competitive Wages Commission with no caps
• Company vehicle
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability & Life Insurance
• 401k plans with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Paid Holidays

At Laborde Products, we are committed to the success of our company and fellow team members. We do that through teamwork and completing every task with the highest level of honesty, integrity and enthusiasm.

We value equal opportunity employment and are committed to hiring individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status or any other protected group.

If you share our same values and are interested in joining a dynamic team, we invite you to submit your resume today. Let’s grow together!