About Departer – The Know-Who People

Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. With a deep understanding of the German economy, we enable successful placements within international management teams across corporate headquarters and subsidiaries worldwide. Headquartered in Germany and with offices in the Middle East & Australia, Departer connects German companies with top leadership talent across global growth markets. 

Our client is a renowned German automotive aftermarket supplier, known for producing premium-quality components that set industry standards for durability, precision, and engineering excellence. With nearly 70 years of company history and a strong global network, the company operates subsidiaries and distribution partners across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.

To further strengthen its position in Australia and New Zealand, our client is seeking to appoint a Sales Manager (m/f/d) to lead and expand its regional sales activities. The company already maintains established partnerships in the market and now aims to take the next step by appointing a dedicated representative to develop and grow the business directly on the ground.

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious, hands-on sales professional to become the first person to represent a strong German aftermarket portfolio in Australia and New Zealand. With proven success, this role offers a clear path to building a local subsidiary and evolving into a General Management position in the coming years. To ensure the best possible preparation, the selected candidate will take part in a comprehensive onboarding program at the company’s headquarters in Germany and its regional office in Asia.

Be the first to represent a premium German automotive aftermarket company in Australia, expand existing business, and grow into the General Manager role. Work with innovative, high-quality aftermarket components trusted by professionals worldwide!

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Take full ownership of all sales and business development activities across Australia and New Zealand
• Manage and expand existing customer relationships with distributors and key partners, while identifying and acquiring new business opportunities
• Negotiate commercial agreements and pricing structures in alignment with the company’s global strategy
• Conduct frequent customer visits, strengthen partnerships, and represent the brand directly in the market
• Monitor industry trends, market dynamics, and customer needs to design and execute effective growth strategies
• Maintain accurate CRM data, prepare sales reports and forecasts, and ensure transparent communication with international headquarters
• Coordinate marketing, promotional, and training initiatives in collaboration with regional and global teams
• Represent the company at trade fairs, workshops, and customer events to enhance brand visibility and trust
• High travel activity (approx. 50–70%) across the region to ensure direct customer contact and market proximity
• Medium-term goal: establish a regional subsidiary, including building a small local team and operational structure

To be successful in this role, you should have the following skills and experiences:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in sales or business development within the automotive aftermarket or a related technical industry
• Proven track record of achieving sales growth and developing long-term customer relationships
• Excellent understanding of the Australian and New Zealand automotive aftermarket, ideally with an existing network
• Entrepreneurial, proactive mindset with strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills
• Comfortable working independently and remotely while collaborating closely with international teams
• Willingness to travel frequently (50–70%) across the region
• Excellent English communication skills; German language knowledge is an advantage
• Availability for onboarding and training at the company’s headquarters in Germany and regional office in Malaysia

Your Path to Growth and Leadership 

• Start as the first on the ground, develop the market, build & lead the future subsidiary for a premium German automotive aftermarket brand in Australia and New Zealand
• Extensive onboarding program with international training visits in German HQ and Asia Hub
• A clear career path toward General Management, including the opportunity to build and lead a future regional subsidiary

ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.

Our German-headquartered client is a globally recognized manufacturer of premium automotive solutions. With decades of expertise, the company stands for innovation, precision, and excellence in the high-performance automotive sector. Renowned for bespoke engineering and unique customer experiences, the company sets international standards in quality, exclusivity, and lifestyle.

As a Sales Representative, you will be responsible for advising and supporting customers in the premium automotive sector, from the initial inquiry through to contract completion and beyond. This role combines in-depth product knowledge with strong interpersonal skills and requires the ability to establish and maintain long-lasting client relationships. You will not only guide customers through a personalized purchase journey but also play an active role in after-sales, showroom presentation, and event participation. As part of a small, dynamic team, this position calls for a hands-on mindset, flexibility, and the willingness to contribute across different areas of the customer experience.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Advise customers individually in the showroom and respond to inquiries from first contact to final contract
• Provide full-cycle customer care, including after-sales and service-related topics
• Guide customers toward purchase decisions through needs-based discussions and detailed product knowledge
• Maintain and expand relationships with clients in the premium segment
• Work closely with the Sales Manager and support showroom and event presentations
• Implement sales promotion initiatives in cooperation with the marketing and sales teams
• Ensure customer satisfaction through professional post-sales support and long-term relationship building
• Support colleagues across different functions, contributing actively to a collaborative team culture

To be successful in this role, you should have the following skills and experiences:

• Professional experience in the luxury segment, ideally automotive, tuning, or lifestyle; transferable experience from sectors such as real estate, watches, or other premium services is also welcome
• Strong client-facing skills with a confident presence, customer orientation, and sensitivity when dealing with a demanding clientele
• Hands-on mentality with a proactive and solution-oriented approach – eager to contribute beyond the desk and support team members when needed
• Team spirit, humility, and genuine enthusiasm for premium automotive products – a must in a small, close-knit team environment
• Communication skills in English are a must; German is an advantage
• A valid driver’s license is essential