Director Sales / Vertriebsleiter (m/w/d) International // Maschinenbau // 120-150k OTE

Responsibilities

We are representing a confidential mechanical engineering organization in the Aachen region that is planning a leadership succession. This Director of Sales role offers genuine strategic influence and direct reporting to executive management, with the prospect of signing authority.

You will take ownership of international sales operations:

• Lead a team of six sales professionals responsible for international markets
• Manage and develop 20 to 30 independent sales representatives and agents worldwide, even without direct authority
• Drive expansion with existing customers while systematically building new business
• Evaluate sales partner performance and make strategic decisions about development or replacement
• Maintain close customer relationships and collaborate directly with engineering and manufacturing teams
• Work with an independent subsidiary operation in the USA

The sales representative network is central to growth strategy, as international markets are increasingly accessed through external partners. Each project connects sales, engineering, production, and customer commissioning.

What We're Looking For

Our client specifically needs someone from within the machinery sector, not a general sales leader:

• Several years in international sales of complex capital equipment within special-purpose machinery, custom machinery, or plant engineering
• Proven experience building and actively managing sales representatives, agents, or distributors
• Leadership background with either direct reports or demonstrable functional leadership
• Familiarity working with both owner-managed customers and structured procurement organizations
• Fluent German and English; willingness to travel internationally approximately 70 days per year
• Technical degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial engineering preferred; equivalent technical qualification with relevant experience also suitable

Particularly valuable: Experience with processing foam, rubber, cork, or related flexible materials. Spanish or French language skills are a plus, as is experience collaborating with autonomous international subsidiaries.

Material knowledge can be developed on the job; substantive machinery experience cannot.

How We Work With You

Apply directly through Get A Job.ai with your CV. Our recruiting team will personally review your application and arrange a confidential conversation about the organization, the role, and your motivation for making a move.

We will screen qualified candidates and submit you to our client. Please do not attempt to contact the employer directly, as this is a confidential search.

If you meet the core requirements but not every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.

Pay

Total compensation through this placement is approximately €120,000 - €150,000, with roughly 20% variable. The role includes an upper-mid-range company car, mobile working flexibility with regular presence in the Aachen region, and a structured leadership transition.

Equal Opportunity

Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive recruiting practices. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.