Hadley Group

Sales Manager Automotive

JOB DESCRIPTION:

To manage and grow strategic automotive accounts, primarily Tier 1 clients, while actively developing new business opportunities in line with the Custom Rollform Division’s commercial strategy. This role will support the profitable growth of the business by maintaining strong customer relationships, identifying new commercial opportunities, and contributing to margin and volume objectives through structured sales activity and cross-functional collaboration.

JOB DETAILS:

  • Manage commercial relationships with key Tier 1 customers across the automotive sector in Europe
  • Act as the primary interface between the client and Hadley Group, ensuring commercial and operational alignment
  • Develop new business opportunities in line with strategic goals and contribute to the division’s pipeline
  • Hold responsibility for pricing proposals, quotation preparation, and contract discussions aligned with agreed margin levels
  • Maintain accurate CRM records and provide structured reporting on pipeline activity, forecast accuracy, and customer engagement
  • Visit key accounts a minimum of 3–4 times per year and attend internal sales meetings and exhibitions as required (UK, NL, and internationally)
  • Coordinate with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure timely delivery and service excellence
  • Monitor customer roadmaps, market activity, and competitor movements to support strategic planning
  • Represent the Hadley brand externally, contributing to a positive perception in the marketplace and supporting lead generation
  • Conduct daily business in accordance with Hadley values, commercial discipline, and customer-first mindset

PERSONAL QUALITIES (Preferred)

  • Strategic mindset – able to think ahead and prepare for long-term value creation
  • Relationship builder – builds trust quickly and sustains it over time with both internal and external stakeholders
  • Resilient and adaptable – thrives in a fast-moving, multi-market environment
  • Curious and proactive – asks the right questions, seeks better ways, and spots opportunities early
  • Culturally aware – comfortable switching between Dutch, German, and English-speaking environments (even if not trilingual)
  • Confident communicator – clear, honest, and persuasive in presentations and negotiations
  • Self-starting team player – autonomous, but invested in the success of the wider team
  • Commercial Acumen – understands how decisions impact profitability, margin, and long-term value
  • Industry Knowledge – ideally familiar with the automotive sector, manufacturing, or industrial B2B markets

 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • Travel approximately 20–30%, with flexibility to increase depending on customer needs, exhibitions, or internal events;
  • Maintain regular contact with key accounts, including 3–4 annual in-person visits per customer, to build trust and strengthen long-term partnerships;
  • Attend internal (inter)national sales events and exhibitions (primarily in the UK, NL and DE) as part of business development and relationship-building efforts

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education and Qualification(s)

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience

  • 3+ years of experience in account management, preferably within the automotive or manufacturing sector
  • Experience working with Tier 1 suppliers is highly preferred
  • Track record of delivering commercial results within complex supply chains
  • Comfortable working across cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, finance)
  • Experience with international customers or multi-country account scope
  • Experience in contract negotiation and pricing discussions
  • Familiarity with custom manufacturing or engineered product sales (preferred)
  • Comfortable working with CRM systems and reporting tools (e.g. pipeline management)

 Language(s) & level:

  • Fluent in English;
  • additional language skills: German preferable, Dutch an advantage

Interested in applying?

Would you like to know more about the vacancy or our organization? Please contact Gerdien Witte from our HR Department at +31 6 45558120 (also available via WhatsApp). Send your CV and motivation letter to hrm@hadleygroup.com

Hadley Group does not accept unsolicited assistance from recruitment agencies, employment agencies, or other third parties for this vacancy. CVs sent by such parties to Hadley Group employees without a valid written search assignment from our Recruiter will be considered public information. No compensation will be owed to these parties in the event that a candidate is hired whose CV and/or other information was sent unsolicited.

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