Key Account /Sales Manager - Industrial Automation (DACH Region)

Job brief

Our client is a leading industrial automation solution provider with solid R&D strength and a comprehensive product portfolio, covering servo motors, drives, HMIs, and integrated motion control systems. With a global market presence and a reputation for reliable performance and technical innovation, it delivers tailored solutions to automation and machinery manufacturers worldwide, driving efficiency and productivity for clients across industries.This role is critical to expanding our clients strategic footprint in the DACH region.
As the linchpin between local customers and global headquarters, you will forge high-value partnerships, drive OEM/ODM collaborations, and translate market demands into business growth, directly fueling the clients European market expansion and revenue targets.
You will join a diverse, international team that values collaboration and expertise, with access to a competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits. For sufficiently senior candidates, there is a clear growth path leading to the Country Manager role, offering ample room to shape regional business strategies and advance your career.

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with automation, machinery, and electrical equipment manufacturers across the DACH region, establishing strong connections with product management, R&D leadership, purchasing teams, and executive decision-makers to align with their long-term product strategies and roadmaps.
• Drive solution-based sales of the companys servo motors, servo drives, HMIs, and motion control product portfolio, emphasizing value propositions, performance advantages, and cost competitiveness while translating customer technical requirements into feasible proposals with support from the global R&D teams.
• Serve as the primary liaison between DACH-region customers and the global headquarters, coordinating cross-functional teams (engineering, product management, supply chain, quality) to drive OEM/ODM project launches, oversee engineering validation, and ensure smooth transitions to mass production.
• Manage the full project lifecycle for customized solutions and joint development initiatives, including technical alignment, feasibility evaluation, prototype development, commercial offer creation, contract negotiation, and the maintenance of long-term customer agreements.
• Conduct in-depth competitive analysis and track technology trends in the industrial automation sector, delivering structured market insights and customer feedback to headquarters to inform product planning, R&D priorities, and European market expansion strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree or above in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Business, or a related field, with 5+ years of proven experience in key account sales, business development, or product management within the industrial automation or motion control industry.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in servo systems, motors, drives, HMIs, and related industrial control technologies, with a track record of success in OEM/ODM projects, customized solutions, or joint development initiatives.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior executives, product managers, R&D experts, and procurement teams, complemented by strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills to drive business outcomes.
• Fluent in both German and English (written and spoken), with cross-cultural communication experience and a proven ability to collaborate effectively with international teams to align customer needs with engineering capabilities.
• Prior experience working with major automation brands is highly preferred, with a willingness to travel within the DACH region and experience operating in newly established regional organizations.