Global Sales Director - Hydraulics

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Global Sales Director to lead the commercial development of our client's OEM Business Unit across international markets. This strategic leadership role offers the chance to drive growth, manage key global accounts, and lead a distributed team of regional sales professionals across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Our client is a well‑established multinational organisation specialising in hydraulic systems and components for OEM customers across automotive, industrial, and off‑road sectors. With operations spanning six continents and 11 assembly facilities, this role provides exceptional scope for a commercial leader to make a significant impact on global growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute global sales strategy aligned with business unit objectives and market trends
• Identify and pursue new OEM customers and market opportunities across international regions
• Lead strategic account management for major global customers, ensuring long‑term partnerships and commercial continuity
• Develop and optimise pricing strategies and commercial frameworks to maximise profitability

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of regional sales managers across multiple territories
• Collaborate with local general managers to establish optimal organisational structures
• Drive accountability, provide coaching, and foster a culture of collaboration and results orientation
• Implement standardised sales processes, tools, and KPIs across all regions

Commercial Operations & Planning

• Prepare and manage annual sales budgets and rolling forecasts in partnership with regional teams
• Monitor performance against targets and implement corrective actions where required
• Coordinate cross‑functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, and Finance teams
• Ensure consistent global pricing and commercial terms across all regions to maintain competitive positioning

Market Intelligence & Growth

• Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions
• Support complex RFQs and lead negotiations for major project acquisitions
• Provide market insights to support product development and positioning strategies
• Drive sustainable, profitable growth aligned with operational capabilities

Requirements

Experience & Background

• Minimum 10 years of proven experience in international OEM sales, preferably within automotive, hydraulic, off‑road, or industrial sectors
• Demonstrated track record of managing global customers and multi‑region commercial teams
• Experience working with technical products (hydraulic assemblies, components, systems) and value‑added services
• Previous experience in a global commercial leadership role with P&L responsibility

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with ability to define long‑term commercial strategies
• Strong customer focus with proven ability to build trusted relationships with OEM customers
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities across multicultural, remote teams
• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills for complex commercial arrangements
• Results‑oriented mindset with strong drive for revenue growth and profitability
• Data‑driven approach with experience using KPIs and commercial analytics

Essential Requirements

• Fluent English (written and verbal) – additional European languages advantageous
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 30%
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to understand engineering drawings, tolerances, and technical specifications
• EU work authorisation or eligibility to obtain work permits in target countries

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Experience

• Previous experience with hydraulic systems, industrial automation, or precision engineering
• Background working with Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive suppliers
• Experience managing sales teams across Asia‑Pacific markets (China, India, Korea)
• Familiarity with global procurement processes and OEM customer requirements

Personal Qualities

• Proactive, hands‑on approach with willingness to be operationally involved when required
• Strong communication and listening skills with empathetic approach to stakeholder management
• Team‑focused mindset with commitment to collective success over individual performance
• High levels of integrity and transparency in all professional dealings
• Collaborative working style with ability to work effectively across different time zones and cultures

Benefits

Compensation

• Base Salary: €100,000 per annum
• Performance Bonus: Up to 20% of base salary
• Total Target Compensation: €120,000 per annum

Benefits & Working Arrangements

• Flexible remote/hybrid working arrangements (location negotiable based on candidate)
• Competitive annual leave entitlement aligned with local market standards
• International travel opportunities as part of role requirements
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package aligned with employment location

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 colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under EU law and the laws of the respective EU member states.

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