About the company:

Our client is a service company for the automotive industry, from design, engineering and industrial development to validation, homologation and the construction of pre-series prototypes and exclusive, highly customized limited and ultra-limited series. Since its inception, the company has worked globally with both traditional automakers and newcomers to the mobility industry. It also has extensive experience in product and transportation design, with a focus on transportation (trains, planes, boats, agricultural machinery, urban transportation, etc.), consumer goods, packaging, corporate identity and graphics. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Italian and foreign branches. Is part of the Audi/Volkswagen Group.

Brief and the ideal candidate:

We are looking for a Business Development Manager for its newly created North American team. This is a new local role with excellent growth opportunities. The goal is to promote Italdesign’s programs to the North American OEMs to enter the market, increase revenue and the company’s reach. The future growth trajectory for this individual could be to eventually create a Sales Department and manage a North American team, should the candidate be interested.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of experience in the industry, a strong background in business development and sales, ability to develop strong relationships and apply consultative selling techniques. Someone with excellent organizational and project management skills. A team-player who can also work independently with little supervision. A go-getter with superior negotiation and closing skills. A professional who is passionate about the industry and willing to go the extra mile to provide great customer service to clients. A solid book of business within the industry is expected.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Grow client portfolio in USA Market (established OEM, newcomers, and start-ups) by identifying new potential clients, and develop relationships with current clients.
• Support the Business Development Dept. to create the area budget while actively participate in reaching the relevant turnover targets.
• Update and personalize PPoint presentations to introduce the Company at new customer meeting, emphasizing the best contents to offer.
• Support the proper execution (technical and economic goals) of the projects in collaboration with the Project Managers.
• Work closely with the Marketing Department to create feasible sales and offers strategy.
• Manage the technical and economic risk analysis of the project while identifying new opportunities related to the project itself.
• Promote and improve project efficiency, effectiveness reviewing processes and working models.

Technical Skills/Abilities:

• At least 10 years of experience in automotive industry in a business development, sales or project management role. A MUST.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Strong strategic vision
• Excellent International mindset
• Multicultural attitude
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and closing skills.
• Superior communication skills in spoken and written English. Italian a plus.
• Excellent pitching skills and ability to create compelling presentations.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Prior experience supporting Project Management department, working with deadlines, meeting technical and economic targets and follow the activities from start to finish.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.