Head of Sales Rail

The head of sales has the overall responsibility for the management of the assigned business field in IEMEA CES Rail.

The head of sales defines and executes the business strategy for the assigned business field, identifies and prioritizes all necessary activities of the team members and aligns all support functions (e.g., marketing, application engineering, customer logistics, sales operations, pricing, PD, operation) to ensure successful execution of the strategy, as well as achievement of defined sales and profitability targets.

This position fully represents the business fields in EMEA with a high degree of complexity, as customers include demanding OEMs, end-users and service partners for highly engineered products and service solutions.

Key responsiblities:

• Developing sub-vertical business strategy (including growth and profit planning), defining and executing all necessary activities to ensure target achievement.

• Identifying and closing business opportunities, based on thorough analysis of market, customer and portfolio potentials.

• Representing business in relevant forums and initiatives (e.g., Growth Fields).

• Developing strategic sales plan, as well as budgets and forecasts.

• Monitoring of monthly achievables (sales/margin, order intake, backlogs, overdues).

• Definition of corrective actions in case of deviation to plan.

• Participating in SIOP process to inform operations about volume trends and capacity needs.

• Coaching and developing team members with emphasis on general sales, as well as cross-selling and value selling skills.

• Understanding the market (portfolio, volume, channels), trends (commercial, technological) and competitive landscape.

• Building up customer-specific knowledge, identifying key decision-makers.

• Sharing customer intelligence, providing/forwarding visit reports to management.

• Presenting business status and reports at regular Vertical Management meetings.

• Customer satisfaction development and improvement actions on Sub-vertical level.

• Establishing, intensifying and maintaining strong, trustful relationship with key decision makers at target customer(s).

• Leading (de-)escalation and negotiation processes and where necessary escalating issues to management.

• Establishing management dialogues and customer events (e.g. techdays, strategy meetings) and following up on actions.

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Automotive) or Business Administration Master

• 15 years in sales/key account management/marketing leadership role

• Ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects and teams

• Previous leadership experience (min. 5 years)

• Previous participation in international projects and international business travel to customers, partners, projects

• Fluent English knowledge

Personal Attributes:

• Customer orientation & ownership mindset

• Results-driven & problem-solving approach

• Intercultural competence & team spirit

• Adaptability & eagerness to learn

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.