Job description
Our client, an established industrial automation software powerhouse with nearly four decades of industry leadership and over 3,000 global customers, is looking for a dynamic Industrial Automation Sales Manager to drive their strategic expansion across China. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity where you’ll own a multi-million Euro revenue pipeline while mentoring a team of emerging sales professionals and establishing the groundwork for long-term success in one of the world’s most significant industrial automation markets. This position uniquely combines the stability of joining a mature, profitable organization with the exciting challenge of pioneering new market territory, providing a direct pathway to Country Manager or Regional Director positions as operations expand.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of 3 sales and marketing professionals operating in China
- Build and maintain C-level relationships with major Chinese industrial companies including automotive manufacturers like BYD, JAC, and Geely
- Manage pipeline development, qualification, and deal closure for enterprise-level contracts
- Expand market presence by transitioning from existing German automotive joint ventures to native Chinese manufacturers in automotive, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage sectors
- Travel extensively (70-90%) to meet clients, partners, and prospects across China
- Drive revenue growth targeting €1M+ ARR through new client acquisition and strategic partnerships
- Navigate complex sales processes with multiple decision-makers using consultative selling approaches
- Complete onboarding process including up to 2 weeks training in Germany
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows
- Design and execute winning go-to-market strategies for complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles
- Participate in quarterly international travel for internal meetings and global trade shows
- Collaborate with global teams including Marketing, Product, Strategy, and Client Success
Essential:
- Deep understanding of industrial automation, factory operations, and industrial IT/OT environments
- Native Mandarin fluency plus professional proficiency in German (preferred) OR English
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Demonstrated leadership experience building, leading, and scaling sales teams
- 15+ years of enterprise software sales experience in China with proven track record
- Experience navigating complex B2B sales cycles with multiple stakeholders
- Proven track record selling technology solutions to automotive manufacturers in China
- Willingness to travel 70-90% (primarily domestic China, quarterly international)
Preferred:
Background in industrial production or factory environments
Experience selling into major Chinese automotive companies (BYD, JAC, Geely, etc.)
MBA or advanced technical degree
Track record of securing €1M+ recurring revenue contracts
Experience with industrial automation technology providers (Siemens, Bosch, PTC, etc.)
Existing relationships within Chinese automotive, pharmaceutical, or food & beverage sectors
International Training: Paid onboarding and training in Germany
Career Growth: Clear advancement opportunities to Country Manager or Regional Head roles
Performance Bonuses: Attractive bonus structure tied to revenue targets and business growth
Remote Flexibility: Work remotely with flexible location within China (Shenzhen, Beijing, or Shanghai areas preferred
Competitive Salary: €100,000 - €180,000 base salary (exceptional candidates up to €180,000)
Travel Support: Full support for extensive domestic and international travel requirements
Relocation Support: Available for exceptional candidates requiring assistance
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, social origin, political opinion, or any other status protected by applicable national laws.
Commitment to Diversity
Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We recognize and celebrate the cultural diversity across Asian countries.
Reasonable Accommodations
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals, in accordance with applicable national laws. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information
For client positions, compensation information will be provided in accordance with applicable national laws. When required by law, salary information will be included in job postings or shared during the interview process. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
Compliance with Laws
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with national and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in the countries where we operate. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on any protected characteristic as defined by applicable national laws.
Privacy and Data Protection
We process personal data for recruiting and employment purposes in accordance with applicable data protection laws in each country where we operate. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Pay Equity
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
Country-Specific Information
Employment laws and practices can vary significantly across Asian countries. We comply with all applicable local laws and regulations regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate. Specific information relevant to your country will be provided during the application process.
Additional Considerations
- Language: Where required by local law or where it significantly enhances accessibility, we will provide key employment information in relevant local languages.
- Cultural Sensitivity: While maintaining our commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, we respect the cultural diversity across Asian countries and strive to balance international best practices with sensitivity to local customs and norms.
- Work Authorization: Compliance with local work authorization requirements is essential. Please be prepared to provide necessary documentation as required by national laws.
Veteran Status
In countries where applicable, both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with relevant laws regarding veteran employment.
Genetic Information
In accordance with applicable laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location within Asia.
