Automotive Sales Engineer & Biz Dev Leader - Germany
Drive Innovation and Growth in the Heart of the European Automotive Industry Are you a strategic sales professional with a passion for the automotive industry and a talent for building long-term partnerships? We are looking for a high-caliber Sales Engineer / Business Development Manager to spearhead our growth within the German OEM and Tier supplier landscape. In this home-office-based role, you will act as the vital link between Germany’s leading automotive players and our high-tech manufacturing site in Slovakia. You will report hierarchically to the Plant Director in Slovakia and functionally to the Head of Sales. As the primary commercial interface for our German accounts, you will be responsible for the entire business development lifecycle—from strategic prospecting to securing profitable production programs : • Market Development: Identify and acquire new customers among German OEMs (e.g., VW Group, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) and major Tier 1/2 suppliers. • Strategic Growth: Detect upcoming vehicle programs, monitor OEM platform strategies, and develop long-term account plans to ensure sustainable business growth. • Commercial Project Management: Lead complex RFQ processes by analyzing technical requirements and coordinating with our Slovak engineering and plant teams to prepare competitive, profitable offers. • High-Level Negotiation: Direct commercial negotiations regarding pricing, tooling, and contracts, ensuring alignment between customer expectations and industrial feasibility. • Internal Coordination: Serve as the bridge between German customers and the Slovak production site, participating in investment decisions and project milestones to ensure successful project handovers. We are seeking a results-driven individual who combines technical literacy with a sophisticated commercial mindset. • Education: You hold an Engineering degree with a strong commercial orientation, or a Business degree supported by solid experience in an industrial/technical environment. • Experience: You bring at least 5 to 10 years of success in industrial B2B sales, specifically within the German automotive sector. Experience in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred. • Expertise: You have a proven track record of managing complex, long-cycle technical RFQs and negotiating at the executive level. • Soft Skills: You are autonomous, structured, and possess the intercultural communication skills necessary to thrive in a matrix organization (Plant vs. Functional Sales). • Languages: Native or fluent German and professional English are mandatory. Knowledge of French is considered an advantage. This role involves frequent travel across Germany to visit customers and regular presence at our production plant in Slovakia. We offer a competitive fixed salary complemented by a performance-based bonus. A company car is provided in accordance with our corporate policy.