Head of Sales Europe

NXT Talent Studio; Stuttgart; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Attractive bonus structure

Company phone

Travel expenses / executive travel

Job summary

NXT Talent Studio is seeking an executive sales leader to head its European commercial operations in a leading industrial environment. You will own total commercial strategy, drive growth with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and align cross-functional teams across engineering, operations and finance to achieve ambitious targets.

The role requires 15+ years in automotive or B2B industries with senior leadership experience, fluency in English, and strong German language skills; travel and strategic

Qualifications

• 15+ years in automotive/B2B industrial environments.
• Senior commercial leadership experience (Head of Sales, VP Sales).
• Experience partnering with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Strong track record in growth, P&L, and high-value contracts.

Responsibilities

• Shape regional commercial vision from strategic planning to program execution.
• Bridge customer requirements with internal engineering, operations and finance.
• Lead growth initiatives with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, focusing on electrification and powertrain components.

Skills

Executive leadership

OEM partnerships

P&L management

International sales teams

English fluency

German language

Education

Master's/MBA degree

Job description

NXT Talent Studio | Empowering Careers. Enabling Organizations.

Shape the Future of Automotive Commercial Strategy in a Leading Industrial Environment

Are you looking to take total commercial ownership and drive high-impact growth, but tired of rigid structures and transactional sales models? On behalf of a global industrial power with a strong footprint in automotive and electromechanical solutions, we are looking for an executive sales leader to head the European commercial operations.

Here, you will combine the scale, technology, and manufacturing power of an international market leader with the agility, autonomy, and strategic freedom of a focused business unit. We are seeking an inspiring commercial leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, strong international experience, and the ability to operate effectively within complex, multicultural environments.

In this position, you are not just a manager—you will shape the regional commercial vision from early-stage strategic planning to nomination and program execution. Bridging customer requirements with internal engineering, operations, and finance capabilities, you will lead high-level growth initiatives across vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) and major Tier 1 suppliers (focused on electrification, actuation systems, mobility, and powertrain components).

What You Bring to the Table

• 15+ years of professional experience in the automotive industry or a comparable B2B industrial environment, including at least 8 years in senior commercial leadership roles (e.g., Head of Sales, Sales Director, VP Sales).
• Proven background directly partnering with major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Deep knowledge of automotive RFQ, nomination, sourcing, and industrialisation processes for technically complex components or systems with long sales cycles.
• Demonstrated track record of managing growth, P&L responsibility (revenue, margins, budgets), and navigating complex, high-value contract negotiations (pricing, productivity, Capex, raw materials).
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing international sales teams (Sales Directors, Key Account Managers) within matrix organizations.
• Strong exposure to European automotive markets. Fluent / negotiation-level English is essential; fluent / professional German is strongly preferred for interaction with local OEMs and internal engineering/operational teams.
• Highly strategic yet execution-focused, solution-oriented, self-driven, emotionally intelligent, and adept at managing cross-functional alignment.

Nice To Have

• Specialized experience in electric motors, e-mobility, actuators, chassis/steering/drivetrain, or mechatronic solutions.
• Educational background with a Master's/University degree in Business Administration, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or an MBA.
• Wider global market exposure beyond Europe and additional European foreign languages.

What Is Offered to You

• Direct reporting lines, flat hierarchical decision-making, and full empowerment to shape commercial structures and regional growth strategies.
• Flexible working arrangements with hybrid work options and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• Highly competitive compensation scheme, attractive bonus structure tied to sustainable growth, company phone, and fully covered travel expenses / executive travel benefits.
• Joining a financially strong global corporate structure providing long-term security, international growth perspectives, and continuous personal development.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

At NXT Talent Studio and on behalf of our client, we believe in the power of diversity and foster an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications—regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion or belief, disability, age, as well as sexual orientation and identity. Your qualifications, leadership mindset, and passion for excellence are what count for us.