About the job and your team

The role's purpose is to lead one of the European sales teams with reference to sales director automotive EE, ensuring optimal performance and motivation. It involves driving continuous improvement, in the sales team and coordinating work task for the Key account managers. Support KAM in technical and commercial discussions internally and with the Customer. Additionally, the role ensures the collaboration between Key Account Managers (KAM) and technical departments, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and efficient processes.

You will work on

Leadership responsibilities:

• Lead the team in accordance with the principles and values of “Lead the Hydro Way” 
• Lead and develop an international sales team to maximize performance and achieve goals
• Define and follow up on performance evaluations and development plans 
• Ensure effective knowledge transfer and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement 
• organize and manage resources for continuous improvement projects 
• Hold line responsibility for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in own area 

General tasks:

• Manage a strategic customer portfolio, ensuring satisfaction and long-term relationships

• Lead customer negotiations, contract closures, and support team in complex deals

• Monitor and report on KPIs, goals, and team performance to senior management

• Align with legal and sales teams to follow up on offers, goals, and customer-specific needs

• Execute initiatives from the Automotive Sales Director and optimize internal/external processes

• Maximize RFQ hit rates and drive strategic account development plans

• Collaborate with technical, production, and quality teams for seamless customer support

• Assist team in internal/external discussions, escalations, and ensure compliance

• Support marketing campaigns, fairs, and analyze market and competitor data for planning

• Ensure effective CRM usage and reporting; foster a customer-centric, ethical culture

Your qualifications and skills

• Minimum Bachelor degree in engineering or commercial, Master’s degree or MBA preferred
• Fluent in German and English is mandatory, any other language is a plus
• 3–5 years in a leadership or team management role, ideally leading international or cross-functional sales teams
• 5–7 years in Key Account Management or B2B Sales, preferably in the automotive or manufacturing sector in Europe, with direct experience handling OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or large industrial clients.
• Proven expertise in strategic account growth, contract negotiation, and customer relations
• Skilled in budget management, KPI reporting, and cross-functional teamwork
• Familiar with HSE standards, CRM systems, and continuous improvement practices
• Strong negotiation skills

You would also ideally have

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills

• Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management

• Adaptable, detail-oriented, and self-driven in dynamic settings

• Technical expertise in car architecture and extrusion-based components

• Proficient in technical and commercial customer discussions

• Clear understanding of customer requirements

What we offer you

• Providing the freedom to think outside the box, create new concepts and implement your ideas
• Access to a rich database of Hydro learning trainings and courses
• External trainings on the missing skills if necessary
• Work in a team of experienced professionals