Strategic Account Manager - Automotive & Manufacturing (German Speaker)

Sphera; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading enterprise software provider in the Netherlands is seeking a Strategic Account Manager to manage and expand a portfolio of strategic enterprise accounts within the manufacturing sector. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in enterprise sales or account management, and a strong track record in driving growth through complex sales cycles. This role involves building strong relationships and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of solutions. Opportunities for growth and significant impact await in this consultative position.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of enterprise sales or account management experience with a proven track record.
• Sales experience in a technically complex selling environment, including SaaS.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic account plans.

Responsibilities

• Nurture and grow a portfolio of strategic named accounts within your assigned industry.
• Develop a deep understanding of your clients’ business challenges.
• Own the sales cycle and contracting process from opportunity identification to deal closing.

Skills

Enterprise sales

Account management

Cross-functional collaboration

SaaS

Verbal and written communication

CRM tools

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Sphera is a leading global provider of enterprise software and services that enables companies to manage and optimize their environmental, health, safety and sustainability. Our mission is to create a safer, more sustainable and productive world.

Sphera is a portfolio company of Blackstone, a U.S.-based alternative asset investment company that focuses on private equity, technology and innovation, and more. Blackstone businesses succeed through strong partnerships, a personalized approach and a commitment to exceptional performance with uncompromising integrity. Sphera and Blackstone are leaders in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) space.

The Strategic Account Manager (Manufacturing) will be responsible for managing and expanding a portfolio of strategic enterprise accounts within the global manufacturing sector. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will develop a deep understanding of each client’s operational, environmental, and safety challenges to uncover high-impact opportunities for growth through the cross-sell and upsell of Sphera Cloud solutions.

You will lead the full sales cycle from opportunity identification and solution positioning to contract negotiation and post-sale coordination—while partnering closely with Solution Executives, Solution Engineers, Professional Services, and Customer Success teams to ensure successful implementation and long-term value realization.

This role requires a consultative, strategic approach to account management and the ability to build strong relationships across IT, EHS, operations, and sustainability functions. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in enterprise account management or solution sales within the manufacturing industry, with a proven track record of driving multi-solution growth and supporting clients through digital transformation initiatives.

Requirements / Responsibilities

• Nurture and grow a portfolio of strategic named accounts within your assigned industry, acting as a trusted advisor across all levels of the client organization
• Develop a deep understanding of your clients’ business challenges and current-state solutions to identify high-impact opportunities for cross-sell and upsell across Sphera Cloud solutions
• Own the sales cycle and contracting process from opportunity identification to deal closing while leveraging internal partners effectively, including Solution Executives to position and pitch product-specific solutions and Solution Engineers to deliver tailored technical demonstrations
• Oversee post-sale implementation strategy by coordinating Professional Services and facilitating handoffs to Customer Success
• Build and execute comprehensive strategic account plans that map buyer ecosystems, uncover whitespace, and prioritize cross-sell opportunities
• Conduct annual account reviews with Customer Success to identify renewal risks and uncover growth opportunities within existing accounts
• Be an expert in industry dynamics and client developments, and use your expertise to inform account strategy and support long-term growth
• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders across IT, procurement, and functional buyer groups (e.g., EHS, Sustainability)
• Navigate long sales cycles and influence complex multi-stakeholder buying processes, including formal committees and third-party consultants
• Translate nuanced business challenges into strategic solution proposals that align with Sphera’s platform capabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of enterprise sales or account management experience with a proven track record
• Sales experience in a technically complex selling environment, including SaaS
• Demonstrated success managing strategic accounts and driving multi-solution growth
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including technical, product, and executive stakeholders
• Strong understanding of enterprise buying processes and stakeholder dynamics
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic account plans
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and productivity platforms
• Ability to synthesize complex business needs into actionable solution strategies
• Self-starter with strong organizational and time management skills