Sales Manager

At ITT, we have a clear purpose as an organization – to provide our customers with cutting-edge solutions to help solve their most critical needs across key global end markets. Our continuous improvement mindset drives our commitment to evolving our capabilities as a multi-industrial technology, manufacturing and engineering leader. With a strong global footprint of more than 100 facilities, we are well positioned to solve critical challenges for our customers around the world. Our locations include manufacturing facilities and global service capabilities in 35 countries. Through these worldwide operations and building on our heritage of innovation, our approximately ~11,000 team members partner with our customers to deliver enduring solutions that make a lasting difference and help the world move forward. ITT is headquartered in Stamford, CT, with sales in approximately 125 countries. The company generated 2024 revenues of $3.6 billion. 

• Motion Technologies: (Revenue of $1.4B; headcount of ~ 4,000; operates in 13 countries) manufactures brake components and specialized sealing solutions, shock absorbers and damping technologies primarily for the global automotive, truck and trailer, public bus and rail transportation markets. 
• Industrial Process: (Revenue of $1.4B; headcount of ~3,400; operates in 30 countries) manufactures engineered fluid process equipment serving a diversified mix of customers in global industries such as chemical, energy, mining, and other industrial process markets and is a provider of plant optimization and efficiency solutions and aftermarket services and parts. 
• Connect and Control Technologies: (Revenue of $0.8B; headcount of ~ 3,800; operates in 10 countries) manufactures harsh-environment connector solutions, critical energy absorption, flow control components, and composite materials for the aerospace and defense, general industrial, medical, and energy markets.

About KONI

KONI is a leading global player in the development and production of high-quality shock absorbers and suspension systems. With a rich history dating back to 1857, and as part of ITT since 1972, KONI is renowned for its innovative solutions across the automotive, commercial vehicles, defense, and railway markets.

At KONI, it’s all about precision, performance, and passion. Our products are globally recognized for their reliability and customization, whether they’re used in race cars, military vehicles, or trains. With our headquarters in the Netherlands and a strong presence in international markets, we offer a dynamic and inspiring work environment where innovation and collaboration take center stage.

KONI is in the exciting process of executing a new global growth strategy in the Automotive After Market. The strategy is based on customer, product, and digital expansion. The strategy is built around the introduction of new product lines, new applications, and new technologies for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. This product offensive is supported by a new global Marketing Communications strategy.

The Sales Manager DACH will play a key role in driving the company’s growth strategy within the DACH market, not just limited to the After Market, also development of the OE business in the region can be part of the responsibilities

As the Sales Manager DACH, you have a unique opportunity to contribute to this important step in the KONI history.

You will be working with national and international contacts, internal and external, to identify and manage new business opportunities. You will also be working to strengthen and grow existing business with the current KONI partners in the region. You listen and look for any opportunity where the KONI value proposition can be offered.

The key responsibilities include: 

• Managing customer satisfaction of the current reseller network
  • Distributors
  • Wholesale
  • Retail
  • Private label / Specialists / OEM
• Analyzing market-trends, informing the team about this and the related recommendations
  • Contributing to and executing of the marketing-sales strategy for the region. Both, B2C and B2B.
• Developing market-growth opportunities
  • Organic sales growth
  • Looking for new product-market combinations
• Ensuring effective communication between KONI and its partners, with regards to logistics, quality, etc. 

We need your experience and skills!

The ideal candidate has a results oriented approach, is willing to work in a challenging environment and is always looking to improve.

Key requirements are: 

• A proven Car-Enthusiast – Petrol Head
• Five to ten years of relevant experience in the Automotive After Market industry in the region
• Able to define and execute sales strategies based on identified market opportunities
• Finding opportunities to promote the KONI Brand during consumer oriented eventsxperience in building and maintaining a business network, with a long-term view
• Key words that are attributable to you: genuine, professional, social, team player, ambitious, continuous improvement
• Able to communicate at all business levels in German and English. Knowledge of Dutch language and culture is an advantage
• Taking ownership of your business relations and making sure they experience premium products as well as premium support
• Being available for (frequent) events at the weekends
• German Citizen or a Dutch citizen living on the east-side of NL but fluently in German language.

Key Behavioral Traits for Success:

• Attention to Detail: Ability to follow detailed procedures, ensuring accuracy in documentation and data management.
• Customer Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with customers, ensuring long-term business success.
• Teamwork & Communication: Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and contribute to group decision-making processes.