Job description
Our client, a global leader in industrial automation software with nearly 40 years of market presence and 3,000+ customers worldwide, is seeking an exceptional Senior Sales Lead to spearhead their expansion into the Chinese market. You’ll be stepping into a leadership position with immediate impact, taking ownership of a multi-million Euro revenue opportunity while leading a team of talented junior sales professionals and building the foundation for sustainable growth in one of the world’s largest industrial automation markets. This role offers the rare combination of joining an established, profitable company while having the entrepreneurial opportunity to build something significant, with a clear path to Country Manager or Regional Head roles as the business scales.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Drive revenue growth targeting €1M+ ARR through new client acquisition and strategic partnerships
- Expand market presence by transitioning from existing German automotive joint ventures to native Chinese manufacturers in automotive, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage sectors
- Lead and develop a team of 3 sales and marketing professionals based in China
- Build and maintain C-level relationships with major Chinese industrial companies including automotive manufacturers like BYD, JAC, and Geely
- Design and execute winning go-to-market strategies for complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles
- Navigate complex sales processes with multiple decision-makers using consultative selling approaches
- Manage pipeline development, qualification, and deal closure for enterprise-level contracts
- Collaborate with global teams including Marketing, Product, Strategy, and Client Success
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows
- Travel extensively (70-90%) to meet clients, partners, and prospects across China
- Participate in quarterly international travel for internal meetings and global trade shows
- Complete onboarding process including up to 2 weeks training in Germany
Essential:
- 15+ years of enterprise software sales experience in China with proven track record
- Native Mandarin fluency plus professional proficiency in German (preferred) OR English
- Deep understanding of industrial automation, factory operations, and industrial IT/OT environments
- Proven track record selling technology solutions to automotive manufacturers in China
- Demonstrated leadership experience building, leading, and scaling sales teams
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Willingness to travel 70-90% (primarily domestic China, quarterly international)
- Experience navigating complex B2B sales cycles with multiple stakeholders
Highly Preferred:
- Experience with industrial automation technology providers (Siemens, Bosch, PTC, etc.)
- Track record of securing €1M+ recurring revenue contracts
- Existing relationships within Chinese automotive, pharmaceutical, or food & beverage sectors
- MBA or advanced technical degree
- Experience selling into major Chinese automotive companies (BYD, JAC, Geely, etc.)
- Background in industrial production or factory environments
Competitive Salary: €100,000 - €180,000 base salary (exceptional candidates up to €180,000)
Performance Bonuses: Attractive bonus structure tied to revenue targets and business growth
Career Growth: Clear advancement opportunities to Country Manager or Regional Head roles
Relocation Support: Available for exceptional candidates requiring assistance
Remote Flexibility: Work remotely with flexible location within China (Shenzhen, Beijing, or Shanghai areas preferred)
International Training: Paid onboarding and training in Germany
Travel Support: Full support for extensive domestic and international travel requirements
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.
