Director Business Unit Automation KION ITS EMEA Italy

We are looking for a Director for the Automation Business Unit to lead strategic delivery and growth across our Region Italy. This is a senior, highly visible leadership role with P&L accountability, responsibility for commercial performance, and oversight of complex automation and warehouse projects across multiple markets. The role sits at the intersection of sales leadership, solution design, project execution and operational excellence.

You will lead strategic sales activity for advanced intralogistics solutions — including automation, VNA systems and storage solutions — while ensuring seamless project delivery and handover to regional service teams. This is an opportunity for a proven intralogistics or automation leader to shape market strategy, scale a high‑growth business stream and play a key role in delivering KION’s long‑term automation and digitalization ambitions. You will align strategic objectives with operational execution, ensure cross‑functional collaboration, drive innovative solutions for our customers and our organization, and represent successfully our LMH and STILL brands on the market.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the commercial and go‑to‑market strategy for the Intralogistics Solutions business.
• Own the full P&L for the ABU cost centre, ensuring profitable growth and effective resource allocation.
• Drive pipeline development, forecasting and executive‑level reporting from lead generation through to contract close.
• Oversee the delivery of complex automation, VNA and storage projects, ensuring quality, cost and timeline adherence.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders across Linde MH, STILL and the wider group to ensure strategic alignment.
• Define sales targets, budgets and incentive structures, with accountability for commission frameworks.
• Lead, develop and performance‑manage Sales Managers and Project / Realisation leaders.
• Champion process standardization, operational excellence and Health & Safety compliance.
• Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, contributing to wider strategy and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in intralogistics, warehouse automation, mobile automation or a comparable industry.
• Proven leadership experience in project‑led, solutions‑based sales environments.
• Strong background in automation system design, conception and project execution.
• Demonstrable P&L ownership and experience managing complex cost centre.
• High level of technical fluency across systems, robotics controls, WMS and ERP environments.
• Excellent commercial judgement, negotiation skills and customer‑centric mindset.
• Strong analytical and project management capability.
• Degree‑level education in engineering, economics or equivalent industry experience.
• Fluency in Italian is required for the position, as well as in English.
• Willingness to travel (approximately 50%) nationally and internationally (Germany and EMEA countries).

Benefits

• Professional development paths to drive career growth.
• Career opportunities in an international environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Workplace: Lainate (Milano) - Italy