Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production sites in 40 countries and employing 20,000 people. Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities, we can offer everything from standard profiles, to advanced development and manufacturing for most industries.
About the job and your team
The role's purpose is to lead one of the European sales teams with reference to sales director automotive EE, ensuring optimal performance and motivation. It involves driving continuous improvement, in the sales team and coordinating work task for the Key account managers. Support KAM in technical and commercial discussions internally and with the Customer. Additionally, the role ensures the collaboration between Key Account Managers (KAM) and technical departments, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and efficient processes.
You will work on
Leadership responsibilities:
1. Lead the team in accordance with the principles and values of “Lead the Hydro Way”
2. Lead and develop an international sales team to maximize performance and achieve goals
3. Define and follow up on performance evaluations and development plans
4. Ensure effective knowledge transfer and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement
5. organize and manage resources for continuous improvement projects
6. Hold line responsibility for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in own area
General tasks:
7. Manage a strategic customer portfolio, ensuring satisfaction and long-term relationships
8. Lead customer negotiations, contract closures, and support team in complex deals
9. Monitor and report on KPIs, goals, and team performance to senior management
10. Align with legal and sales teams to follow up on offers, goals, and customer-specific needs
11. Execute initiatives from the Automotive Sales Director and optimize internal/external processes
12. Maximize RFQ hit rates and drive strategic account development plans
13. Collaborate with technical, production, and quality teams for seamless customer support
14. Assist team in internal/external discussions, escalations, and ensure compliance
15. Support marketing campaigns, fairs, and analyze market and competitor data for planning
16. Ensure effective CRM usage and reporting; foster a customer-centric, ethical culture
Your qualifications and skills
17. Minimum Bachelor degree in engineering or commercial, Master’s degree or MBA preferred
18. Fluent in German and English is mandatory, any other language is a plus
19. 3–5 years in a leadership or team management role, ideally leading international or cross-functional sales teams
20. 5–7 years in Key Account Management or B2B Sales, preferably in the automotive or manufacturing sector in Europe, with direct experience handling OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or large industrial clients.
21. Proven expertise in strategic account growth, contract negotiation, and customer relations
22. Skilled in budget management, KPI reporting, and cross-functional teamwork
23. Familiar with HSE standards, CRM systems, and continuous improvement practices
24. Strong negotiation skills
You would also ideally have
25. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills
26. Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
27. Adaptable, detail-oriented, and self-driven in dynamic settings
28. Technical expertise in car architecture and extrusion-based components
29. Proficient in technical and commercial customer discussions
30. Clear understanding of customer requirements
What we offer you
31. Providing the freedom to think outside the box, create new concepts and implement your ideas
32. Access to a rich database of Hydro learning trainings and courses
33. External trainings on the missing skills if necessary
34. Work in a team of experienced professionals
Hydro values diverse skills and perspectives among employees. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability. We strive to provide equal opportunities for all to contribute and succeed with us.