European Head of Sales – Automotive

The European Head of Sales is responsible for leading all commercial activities across Europe, driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and strengthening strategic relationships—particularly within Tier 1 automotive suppliers and OEM networks. This role plays a critical part in positioning the business as a preferred supplier across the automotive value chain.

• Sales Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement the European sales strategy aligned with global objectives, delivering revenue growth and margin targets.
• Key Account Leadership: Build, manage, and deepen relationships with major Tier 1 suppliers and OEM customers, securing long-term contracts and repeat business.
• Business Development: Identify and win new business opportunities across Europe, leveraging existing industry relationships and networks.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to inform pricing, product positioning, and go-to-market strategies.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing regional sales team, fostering a results-driven and customer-focused culture.
• Commercial Negotiation: Own contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and commercial terms to maximise profitability while maintaining competitiveness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment on customer requirements, product delivery, and innovation.
• Forecasting & Reporting: Deliver accurate sales forecasts, pipeline visibility, and performance reporting to senior leadership.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensure high levels of service, responsiveness, and quality to strengthen long-term partnerships.
• Representation: Act as a senior ambassador for the business at industry events, trade shows, and client engagements across Europe.
• Accountability: Full responsibility for European sales performance, strategic account growth, and strengthening the company’s position within the Tier 1 automotive supply chain.

• Senior Sales Leadership: 10–15+ years in automotive sales, with a significant portion in a senior or regional leadership role across Europe.
• Tier 1 Relationships: Established, credible relationships with key Tier 1 automotive suppliers and ideally OEMs, with a track record of converting these into commercial opportunities.
• Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of the automotive supply chain, including sourcing, RFQ/RFI processes, programme lifecycle, and customer requirements (quality, cost, delivery).
• Revenue Ownership: Proven experience managing large revenue portfolios, delivering sustained sales growth, and owning regional sales targets and budgets.
• Key Account Management: Demonstrated success in managing and growing complex, multi-country key accounts with long sales cycles.
• Commercial & Negotiation Skills: Strong background in negotiating high-value, long-term contracts and pricing agreements within competitive environments.
• Business Development: Track record of identifying and securing new business opportunities, particularly through industry networks and strategic partnerships.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working closely with engineering, product development, and operations teams to deliver customer-focused solutions.
• Team Leadership: Experience building, leading, and developing high-performing, geographically dispersed sales teams.
• International Exposure: Strong experience operating across multiple European markets, with an understanding of regional differences in business culture and customer expectations.
• Desirable: Experience working within or supplying into Tier 1 automotive companies.
• Desirable: Familiarity with automotive standards and frameworks (e.g. IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP).
• Desirable: Engineering, technical, or business-related degree (or equivalent experience).
• Desirable: Multilingual capabilities relevant to key European markets.

• €120,000 base salary
• Bonus
• OTE circa €180,000 – €200,000
• Car
• Pension
• Healthcover
• Travel expenses