Sales Manager

ZF LIFETEC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Sales Manager, where your expertise in the automotive industry will drive impactful sales strategies for life-saving safety technologies. In this dynamic role, you'll lead the North American sales efforts for a renowned automotive safety systems provider, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. Your strong negotiation skills and financial acumen will be crucial in navigating the competitive landscape and ensuring customer satisfaction. Embrace the opportunity to thrive in a collaborative environment that values diversity and empowers you to shape the future of automotive safety.

Benefits

Career Development Support

Collaborative Work Environment

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Innovative Projects

Qualifications

• 7+ years of sales experience in the automotive industry required.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead sales for the VW Group account in North America.
• Manage customer relationships and business development.

Skills

Sales Experience

Negotiation Skills

Financial Acumen

Project Management

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Team Collaboration

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Business Administration

Master's Degree

Tools

MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint/Word)

Job description

Your journey to a meaningful career starts with ZF LIFETEC

Role Objective:

This is a role which requires commercial savvy and business acumen. The Sales Manager will lead our ZF LIFETEC (ZF Passive Safety Systems INC US) business in North America with the VW Group (VW GoA, VW MX, Audi MX & Scout). There is tough competition in our business sectors and rigorous financial pressures, so the position requires financial aptitude and a comfort level working with highly technical products. The position is in Washington Twp., Michigan.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible and accountable for the NA region (USA, Mexico, Canada) for the VW Group account within ZF LIFETEC - airbags, seat belts, and steering wheel restraint systems.
• Lead customer contact in the region, responsible for customer related sales tasks throughout the product lifecycle: from the RFQ until and after the launch of the product.
• Responsible for business planning, business acquisition, business development, serial life commercial management and financial profitability in line with the global account strategy; manage the negotiation process with the customer.
• Support the VW Group Global Account Director in the region developing battle plans and sales presentations for new market acquisitions, conduct customer negotiations aligned with the global account strategy, report internally within sales and to the business units.
• Work hand in hand with other internal departments – engineering, finance, operations, product line to prepare customer quotations and achieve successful negotiations.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or Business Administration. Master’s degree preferred.
• Requires 7+ years of progressive sales experience in the automotive industry.
• Sensitiveness to German cultures and business practices.
• Strong understanding of customer needs with excellent negotiation skills required.
• Experience in working in a global, cross-functional organizational structure. Proactive cooperation to work with a wide variety of functions/individuals within and across the organization at all levels; internally and externally.
• Ability to juggle competing demands and adapt to different situations. Must be able to perform under stressful conditions and meet immediate or short-lead time deadlines.
• Thinks strategically and considers the long-term view.
• Be able to work in a high dynamic organization and to work under pressure. Team player as part of a global sales team.
• Strong in MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint/Word).
• Solid leadership, analytical, project management, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Winning mentality and persuasion skills as well as a high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Energetic, responsive team player who is keen to take initiatives.
• Proactive, organized, and accuracy with attention to detail.
• Professional communications skills both verbally and in writing.
• Fluency in English required; German language is preferred, but not hard required.
• Domestic/International travel required on an as needed basis. Frequent travel required to support customer.

Be part of our ZF Lifetec team as Sales Manager and apply now!

• Innovative Impact: Shape the future of safety with life-saving technology that truly matters.
• Dynamic Workplace: Thrive in an agile, collaborative environment where every idea counts.
• Culture of Excellence: Be part of a team with over 60 years of high standards and groundbreaking achievements.
• Growth & Empowerment: Advance your career with strong support for personal and professional development.

Diversity & Inclusion

At ZF LIFETEC, we are committed to building a culture where inclusiveness thrives and diversity is valued. We welcome unique perspectives and actively work to remove barriers, empowering all employees to reach their full potential. Guided by this vision, we innovate and create life-saving technology that makes a real impact on automotive safety.