Global Sales Director

We are currently partnered with a private equity backed industrial business specialising within high precision bearings and automotive components who are seeking an experienced Sales Director. The Director Sales will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the

global sales organization, and for driving sustainable revenue growth across key

customer segments.

The role carries full responsibility for sales exceeding €100m+ revenue and leads an

international team of 9 Key Account Managers serving global OEM and Tier-1

customers, primarily in the automotive sector. As a member of the leadership team, the Director Sales acts as a close sparring partner to the Group Managing Director and plays a key role in strengthening the company’s commercial performance during its transformation phase.

Commercial Strategy & Growth

• Define and implement the global sales strategy aligned with the company’s growth ambitions
• Drive revenue growth across core markets, with a particular focus on the automotive sector
• Identify and develop opportunities in adjacent segments and new applications

Key Account Leadership

• Manage strategic relationships with major OEM and Tier-1 automotive customers
• Lead complex commercial negotiations and long-term supply agreements
• Ensure strong customer intimacy and strategic partnerships

Sales Organization Leadership

• Lead, develop and coach an international team of 9 employees
• Establish a performance-driven sales culture with clear KPIs and accountability
• Strengthen collaboration between sales, engineering, operations and finance

Commercial Excellence

• Improve pricing strategy, margin management and contract profitability
• Implement structured sales planning, forecasting and pipeline management
• Enhance CRM usage and sales transparency

Transformation & Market Development

• Contribute actively to the company’s transformation and performance improvement initiatives
• Drive professionalization of the sales organization and commercial processes
• Support expansion into new markets and applications

Candidate Profile

• Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable qualification
• Several years of leadership experience in international industrial B2B sales
• Proven track record in the automotive supply industry
• Experience working with OEM and Tier-1 customers
• Experience in private equity environments or transformation situations is highly desirable
• Strong capabilities in key account management, pricing and contract negotiations
• Track record of improving commercial performance and profitability
• Strategic and commercially driven leader with a strong execution mindset
• Hands-on management style suited to a mid-sized industrial organization
• Languages: Fluent in English and German, French is a plus
• Willingness to travel internationally to customers and company sites locations