Sales Manager

Experts Group International; Stuttgart; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international consultancy is seeking an experienced European Sales Manager in Stuttgart to lead business development across Europe. The role focuses on driving growth in the automotive sector while expanding into aerospace and defence markets. Key responsibilities include managing the full sales cycle, executing a strategic sales approach, and fostering relationships with key clients. This position offers the opportunity to shape sales strategy while travelling extensively throughout Europe.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a European sales or business development role within the automotive industry.
• Strong track record of new business development and revenue growth.
• Experience working across multiple European markets and cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to create structure, processes, and consistency within a sales function.
• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities across Europe.
• Drive strategic entry and growth into aerospace and defence markets.
• Build and execute a European sales strategy aligned with company growth objectives.
• Proactively manage the full sales cycle.
• Lead the centralization of the European sales function.
• Implement best-practice sales processes.
• Act as the central commercial point of contact for European customers.
• Support and coordinate regional sales activities.

Skills

Business development

Negotiation skills

Relationship-building

Market insight

Job description

We are seeking an experienced European Sales Manager to lead and grow our commercial presence across Europe. This is a senior, hands-on role with a strong emphasis on business development, strategic account growth, and the centralisation of the sales function across multiple European markets.

The ideal candidate will come from an automotive background, with a proven track record of developing new business and managing complex customer relationships. In addition to strengthening our automotive position, this role will play a key part in expanding into adjacent sectors, particularly aerospace and defence.

This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to shape sales strategy, build scalable processes, and influence long-term commercial direction.

Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities across Europe, with a primary focus on the automotive sector.
• Drive strategic entry and growth into aerospace and defence markets, working closely with internal stakeholders to adapt offerings where required.
• Build and execute a European sales strategy aligned with company growth objectives.
• Proactively manage the full sales cycle, from lead generation and qualification through to negotiation and contract closure.
• Lead the centralisation of the European sales function, creating consistency in approach, reporting, and customer engagement.
• Implement best-practice sales processes, tools, and KPIs to improve visibility, forecasting accuracy, and performance.
• Act as the central commercial point of contact for European customers, distributors, and partners.
• Support and coordinate regional sales activities to ensure alignment with overall European strategy.

Key Account Management

• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and strategic partners.
• Identify opportunities to increase account penetration through cross-selling, upselling, and long-term agreements.
• Represent the business at customer meetings, industry events, and trade exhibitions across Europe.

Market & Commercial Insight

• Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity within automotive, aerospace, and defence sectors.
• Provide regular commercial insight, pipeline updates, and sales forecasts to senior management.
• Contribute to pricing strategies, commercial negotiations, and contractual frameworks.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a European sales or business development role within the automotive industry.
• Strong track record of new business development and revenue growth.
• Experience working across multiple European markets and cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to create structure, processes, and consistency within a sales function.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe.