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"My Valvoline co-workers are courteous, friendly and respectful of each other. There is a feeling of unity, and everyone is reaching toward a common goal. You just don't find that at every company."

Bonita
Valvoline Sales manager,
Lexington, Ky.

Day in the Life

As a sales manager with the Valvoline division of Ashland, I'm responsible for increasing our sales revenue and volume, while growing gross profit. I also help educate internal and external customers about new and existing products.

The most challenging part of my job is finding the right balance between promotions and pricing to ensure we remain competitive in the marketplace. The best part of my job? That's easy - it's our customers. I like helping them grow their businesses, as we're growing ours!

My workday begins at 8 a.m., and I usually leave the office about 6 p.m. But my hours vary, depending on project timelines and customer needs. On average, I usually log about 45 hours a week, unless I'm traveling, which I do quite often. I go all over the United States to meet with customers and with co-workers at other Valvoline locations.

On a daily basis, I communicate with customers and co-workers, including territory business, installed sales, and regional managers; customer support, technical, marketing and product-line management personnel. We work as a team to ensure customers get what they need, while integrating those needs with Ashland's own goals and values.

I began working here in 1998. There were other companies in the area that were of interest to me, but I chose Ashland because of its great benefits and the opportunities I would have to grow in my career.

A potential candidate for this job should know the work is very challenging, but I like challenges. If a job doesn't challenge me, I'm not happy. You must be able to manage your work and time around required travel and have the ability to help customers recognize the value of Valvoline's products and its brand..

This position also requires organizational, presentation and time-management skills. You have a lot territory to cover and many different tasks to perform. You must be comfortable speaking before others, too. A Valvoline sales manager frequently presents before training classes and other audiences of up 200 people. Dedication, commitment and a desire to succeed are necessary as well.

Since becoming an Ashland employee, I've witnessed several instances where the company offered tremendous support to employees who have had personal crises and to others about to embark upon one of life's exciting adventures. Ashland is with you through the good times in your life and the bad.