Global Account Manager – Tier-1 Suppliers

Sonatus is a well-funded, fast-paced, and rapidly growing company whose software products and solutions help automakers build dynamic software-defined vehicles. With over four million vehicles already on the road with top global OEM brands, our vehicle and cloud software solutions are at the forefront of automotive digital transformation. The Sonatus team is a talented and diverse collection of technology and automotive specialists hailing from many of the most prominent companies in their respective industries.

Sonatus is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with international locations in Ireland, France, Germany, Poland, Korea, China, India, Taiwan and Japan. This is a remote position at our Germany location. You will report to the Senior Director of Business Development.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a high-performing sales team that’s at the forefront of addressing a new frontier of automotive innovation. Sonatus is looking for a sales professional to define and execute a strategic plan with a focus on long-term customer development within the Automotive industry (Tier-1 Suppliers).

Roles & Responsibilities

• Acquire and develop business with the major French Tier-1 suppliers, including though not limited to Valeo, Michelin, OPmobility, Faurecia (now part of Hella). The GAM will also support sales efforts with French subsidiaries of non-French Tier-1s (Marelli, Continental, etc).
• Develop strategic sales plans in collaboration with Sonatus’ OEMs sales teams, based on company goals. These plans should promote business development, sales growth, customer satisfaction, and help build pipeline by engaging with key automotive tier-1 suppliers. Proper execution of the sales plans should result in signing PoCs and SoP projects.
• Develop strong relationships with executive-level decision-makers at automotive suppliers. Leverage those relationships to achieve business objectives and support sales teams in charge of OEMs.
• Develop a strong sales pipeline with Tier-1 suppliers, balancing short-term and long-term business growth.
• Manage sales forecast, with strong accuracy discipline using the company’s CRM.
• Identify product co-development opportunities with Tier-1 suppliers, build demos, promote joint solutions to the market.
• Maintain up-to-date account plans and present to Sonatus’ leadership team.
• Coordinate all activities between different departments like Product Management, Engineering, Finance, and Legal.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering or business-related field is preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of proven success in selling sophisticated software, electronic components, connected car technologies, and/or other solutions.
• Proven track record of sales experience and creating connections at all levels at the company, consistently exceeding quota and meeting strategic objectives.
• Proven track record of acquiring new account(s). Capability to prospect, open doors, create new connections in the accounts. 
• Candidates must have experience selling to automotive players and must know the automotive ecosystem.
• Minimum 10 years experience in negotiating with OEM’s or Supplier’s procurement department.
• Strong ability to navigate complex automotive organizations, understand their structures (business groups, corporate vs. branch entities) and identify decision-makers.
• Strong influencing, networking, and negotiating experiences and skills.
• Rudimentary knowledge of automotive E/E architecture.
• Rudimentary knowledge of automotive data and its use cases.
• A “Team Player” attitude is required, with excellent organizational skills and a proven ability to leverage internal resources.
• Superior interpersonal, management, and communication skills are a must, specifically with regard to working in a culturally diverse business environment.
• Expect travel, including domestic and international.

Please submit all resumes in English.

Sonatus is a fast-paced and innovative company and are seeking team members who are passionate about making a difference. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, we highly encourage you to apply. To all recruitment agencies: Sonatus, Inc. (“Sonatus”) does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Sonatus’ employees. Sonatus is not responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited activities.