Sales Director Germany (Dresden)

Applus+ Laboratories is a leading provider of testing, inspection, certification, and engineering services, supporting innovation and product development across aerospace, automotive, rail, energy, industrial, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

To support our continued growth in Germany, we are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Sales Director Germany to lead our commercial organization based in Dresden and Bremen and drive sustainable business growth across the German market.

Your Mission

As Sales Director Germany, you will define and execute the commercial strategy for the German business, ensuring the achievement of ambitious revenue, profitability, and customer development objectives.

You will lead and inspire a high-performing sales team while strengthening relationships with key customers and identifying new growth opportunities in strategic industries.

Reporting to: Commercial Director Europe

Travel: Regular travel within Germany and occasional international travel

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the sales strategy for Germany in alignment with European business objectives.
• Deliver revenue growth, profitability, and market share targets.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to identify new business opportunities.
• Develop and manage the sales budget, forecast, and pipeline performance.

Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the German sales organization.
• Establish clear objectives, KPIs, and performance standards.
• Foster a customer-focused and results-oriented sales culture.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.

Business Development

• Expand our presence within existing and new markets.
• Build strong relationships with strategic customers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Lead major commercial negotiations and framework agreements.
• Drive cross-selling opportunities across the Applus+ Laboratories network.

Strategic Account Oversight

• Ensure effective management of key and strategic accounts.
• Participate in executive-level customer meetings and business reviews.
• Coordinate commercial activities with technical and operational teams to maximize customer satisfaction and account growth.
• Work closely with Operations, Marketing, Technical Experts, and European Commercial teams.
• Provide regular reporting on sales performance, forecasts, opportunities, and market developments.
• Promote best practices and continuous improvement across the commercial organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s or Master\'s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in B2B technical sales, business development, or commercial leadership.
• Proven success in managing sales teams and delivering profitable growth.
• Experience in testing, certification, engineering services, industrial technology, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, or related sectors is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands-on approach to business development.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Languages

• Fluent German (mandatory).
• Professional English (mandatory).

What We Offer

• A strategic leadership position within a growing international group.
• The opportunity to shape and drive the commercial development of the German business.
• Collaboration with experts across multiple industries and technologies.
• Competitive compensation package, including performance-based incentives.
• Professional development and international career opportunities.