Explore top-tier Head of Sales (Automotive) jobs and discover a pivotal leadership career at the intersection of commerce, strategy, and team development. A Head of Sales in the automotive industry is the senior executive responsible for driving the entire commercial revenue engine for a manufacturer, distributor, or major automotive group. This strategic role transcends traditional sales management, encompassing the holistic planning and execution necessary to achieve market share, profitability, and brand objectives in a highly competitive and fast-paced sector. Professionals in these roles typically bear comprehensive responsibility for the sales function. Core duties involve formulating and implementing the annual sales operating plan (AOP), setting ambitious yet achievable targets for volume and revenue. They meticulously monitor sales performance and gross profit across various brands, product lines, and sales channels, which may include direct OEM relationships, franchised dealer networks, fleet operations, or aftermarket distribution. A critical aspect of the role is developing and executing distribution strategies to expand market reach, optimize channel penetration, and ensure effective coverage. Collaboration is key; Heads of Sales work closely with Supply Chain to ensure product availability aligns with forecasts, with Marketing to align promotional activities, and with Pricing teams to develop competitive and profitable pricing policies. Beyond numbers, a significant portion of the role focuses on talent leadership. Heads of Sales are tasked with building, mentoring, and leading a high-performing sales team. This involves recruiting top talent, providing continuous coaching, and implementing performance management systems to motivate and develop team capabilities. They act as a bridge between the sales force and senior management, often presenting commercial performance at board-level forums and influencing broader business strategy based on market intelligence and competitor analysis. Typical requirements for Head of Sales (Automotive) jobs include a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, though extensive experience is often paramount. Candidates must possess a proven track record in B2B sales leadership within the automotive or a closely related industrial sector. Essential skills include exceptional strategic planning, analytical abilities to interpret market trends, and outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to negotiate with key accounts and inspire internal teams. Readiness for regular business travel is a standard expectation. Successful candidates demonstrate a blend of commercial acumen, operational rigor, and inspirational leadership, making them capable of steering the sales organization through market fluctuations and toward sustained growth. If you are a results-driven leader looking to shape the commercial destiny of an automotive enterprise, exploring Head of Sales (Automotive) jobs is your next strategic move.
