Zone Sales Manager - Italy - North-East

Changan is one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers, recognized globally for innovation, quality, and a strong focus on electrification . Changan Italy is currently in a start‑up phase, building its organization, commercial processes, and dealer network from the ground up.

We are a motivated, energetic, and entrepreneurial team committed to shaping Changan’s growth in the Italian market , particularly through a new generation of electric and electrified vehicles.

Zone Sales Manager – Changan Italy (Nort-East)

Role Overview

The Zone Sales Manager (ZSM) is a pivotal field role responsible for driving sales performance, dealer development, and customer experience across the assigned region.

This is a highly hands-on and entrepreneurial position, ideal for professionals who thrive in fast-moving start-up environments. The role requires strong execution capabilities, strong field presence, and the ability to build structure while delivering immediate commercial results.

A solid understanding of the Italian automotive retail landscape and the transition toward electrified mobility (BEV/PHEV) is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Dealer Network Management

● Develop, support, and elevate the dealer network to achieve sales, profitability, and customer experience targets.

● Monitor key KPIs: sales performance, pipeline quality, stock rotation, test drives, conversion rates, and CRM usage.

● Ensure dealer compliance with brand standards, processes, and operational guidelines.

● Accelerate network readiness for electrified vehicles, including showroom setup, training, charging ecosystem, and customer education.

Sales Performance & Market Development

● Build and execute regional sales plans aligned with national objectives.

● Identify local growth opportunities and implement initiatives to improve market penetration and brand visibility.

● Closely monitor market trends, competitor dynamics, and the evolution of EV adoption in the region.

● Support early market development in a brand-building phase, balancing volume growth with premium positioning.

Business Operations & Execution

● Deliver accurate forecasting of regional sales volumes and dealer orders.

● Support product launches, commercial campaigns, and tactical sales initiatives.

● Maintain a strong field presence through regular dealer visits, ensuring fast problem-solving and performance acceleration.

● Act as the first escalation point for operational challenges impacting sales execution.

Start-Up Contribution

● Actively contribute to building processes, tools, and ways of working from the ground up.

● Embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset, going beyond traditional corporate boundaries when needed.

● Collaborate within a fast-growing, multicultural environment where adaptability and ownership are key.

● Contribute to shaping the commercial culture and field standards of Changan in Italy.

Relationship Management

● Build trust-based relationships with dealer principals, owners, and sales leaders.

● Act as a credible business partner, able to challenge and support the network.

● Work cross-functionally with marketing, aftersales, product, EV operations, and network development teams.

Reporting

● Provide clear and structured reporting on dealer performance, risks, and growth opportunities.

● Track and communicate EV-related KPIs and regional trends.

● Present regional performance updates during internal business reviews.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for candidates who have

● Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Marketing, or related field.

● 4–7 years of automotive experience in sales, dealer management, or field operations (OEM experience preferred).

● Proven exposure to electrified mobility (BEV/PHEV), product launches, or EV network readiness.

● Strong understanding of the Italian automotive retail ecosystem.

● Demonstrated track record in improving dealer performance and delivering sales targets.

Experience in start-up, scale-up, or brand launch environments is a strong plus.

International or multicultural experience will be considered an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

● Strong ownership mindset and hands-on execution style.

● Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

● Solid analytical capabilities combined with strong commercial intuition.

● Ability to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities.

● Familiarity with CRM systems, sales dashboards, and MS Office tools.

● Availability for frequent travel within the assigned region.

● Professional fluency in Italian and English is required.

What We Offer

● The opportunity to play a key role in building Changan’s presence in Italy from the ground up.

● A dynamic, entrepreneurial, and multicultural environment.

● High visibility, real ownership, and tangible business impact.

● Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives.

● Long-term growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding global automotive group.

Shape a brand. Grow a market. Make your mark in Italy’s next big automotive story!