Sr. Sales Manager New Automotive Customers

Role Objective:

This is a role which requires commercial savvy and business acumen. This position will lead our passive safety systems business portfolio with our West Coast customers for ZF LIFETEC. There is tough competition in our business sectors and rigorous financial requirements all while leading a growing account and team, so the position requires financial aptitude, a comfort level working with highly technical products, and leadership. The position is located in Pleasanton, California.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Responsible and accountable for the NA region (USA, Mexico, Canada) for the West Coast Customer accounts 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. Supporting global business development across Europe and Asia Pacific regions for multiple customers.
• 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 West Coast Customer 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.
• Lead and mentor a team of 4+ Account Managers across the team within California.
• Work hand in hand with other internal departments – engineering, finance, operations, product line to prepare customer quotations and achieve successful negotiations.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or Business Administration. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience and Skill Set:

• Requires 8+ years of progressive sales experience with 5+ years in the automotive industry preferred.
• 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.
• Domestic/International travel required on an as needed basis.

Be part of our ZF Lifetec team as Sr. Sales Manager New Automotive Customers and apply now!

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran