Sales Manager Europe – Powder Metal Business Unit

Come Innovate Motion with Us

We are currently seeking a Sales Manager to drive growth in Europe for Johnson Electric's Powder Metal BU, developing high-precision powder metal components for automotive drivelines, powertrains and related systems. This is a new, strategic role in Europe based in Germany. In this position, you will develop and nurture strong relationships with OEM and Tier 1 customers to drive sales performance and expand our presence in the market.

For this role, you can be based at either our Stuttgart, Öhringen or Aachen office, depending on what works best for your location.

Responsibilities:

• Drive strategic business growth and expand market share across Europe for the Powder Metal Business Unit, identifying and securing new business opportunities with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

• Build and cultivate executive-level relationships with key decision-makers, positioning Johnson Electric as a trusted long-term partner.

• Lead commercial negotiations, contract discussions, and business development initiatives that deliver profitable growth and sustainable customer partnerships.

• Champion cross-functional collaboration, leading RFQ, quotation, and product launch activities to ensure successful project execution and customer satisfaction.

• Serve as the primary customer advocate internally, aligning commercial, engineering, operations, quality, and program management teams around customer expectations and business objectives.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and project risks while effectively managing escalations to maintain strong customer relationships.

• Ensure flawless execution of customer programs, meeting commitments related to quality, cost, delivery, and timing.

• Utilize project management methodologies, CRM systems, and business reporting tools to drive accountability, visibility, and performance.

• Support customer audits, quality initiatives, and continuous improvement activities while ensuring compliance with company standards and processes.

• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive activity, and market dynamics to identify growth opportunities and strengthen the company's market position.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of successful business development, key account management, or sales experience within an automotive Tier 1 supplier environment.

• Proven track record of winning new business and managing relationships with major OEM customers.

• Strong knowledge of automotive driveline systems, powertrain applications, and automotive development processes.

• Demonstrated expertise in commercial negotiations, strategic account management, and customer engagement.

• Excellent project management, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple opportunities and projects simultaneously.

• Fluent in English and German, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Customer-focused, self-motivated professionals with a proactive mindset and strong business acumen.

• Collaborative team player capable of influencing cross-functional teams and operating effectively in a fast-paced, international environment.

• Willingness to travel approximately 50%, primarily within Germany and Europe, with occasional international travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with powder metal components or related automotive manufacturing technologies.

• Existing network and relationships between European automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

• Based in, or willing to relocate to, Öhringen, Germany.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role:

• Hunter mentality with a passion for developing new business.

• Strong technical and commercial credibility with automotive customers.

• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from engineering teams to C-suite executives.

• Results-oriented mindset focused on revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and long-term partnership development.

What We offer:

• Top-industry compensation and benefits package, including company car, bonus.

• Work-life balance: through flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation and many more.

• The opportunity to develop your professional skills thanks to the wide range of products we manufacture and our global presence.

• Become a part of a multicultural team characterized by an international team spirit, an open and familiar cooperation and a pleasant working atmosphere.

• Whether it is our Stuttgart, Öhringen or Aachen office, we are involved in local projects supporting good causes and we have regular company events with all kinds of activities to enjoy.

Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team

Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.