VP Automotive Sales | MRL Consulting

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading global technology company for an experienced Vice President of Automotive Sales to lead and grow their European automotive business. This is a high-impact role, combining hands-on customer engagement with strategic market development in the rapidly evolving automotive sector, including electrification, ADAS, and intelligent lighting systems.

You will take full commercial ownership of the region, driving revenue growth, partnership development, and market positioning while leading a high-performance regional sales team and collaborating with global product and engineering leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the European automotive sales strategy in alignment with global objectives.

• Lead, coach, and expand a regional sales organization, ensuring strong customer relationships and consistent pipeline development.

• Drive business development with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology partners, focusing on innovative LED, semiconductor, and system-level solutions.

• Identify and secure new platform wins, long-term supply agreements, and technical partnerships.

• Collaborate with engineering, product management, and operations to ensure seamless project delivery and customer satisfaction.

• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to inform product roadmaps and regional investment decisions.

• Represent the company at key industry events and trade forums.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience & Attributes

• 10+ years’ experience in automotive sales leadership, ideally within LED, semiconductor, or optical systems for OEM/Tier 1 applications.

• Established relationships across the European automotive ecosystem with strong understanding of customer decision cycles and vehicle program dynamics.

• Strategic thinker able to translate vision into actionable commercial plans.

• Proven experience managing multinational teams and complex cross-functional initiatives.

• Strong negotiation skills and ability to operate in a matrixed, technology-driven environment.

• Excellent English communication skills; additional European languages advantageous.

Preferred Background

• Experience in lighting, sensor, or electronic systems for automotive applications.

• Familiarity with major European OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

• Technical degree (Engineering, Physics, or similar); MBA or commercial qualification preferred.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive executive compensation package (base, bonus, long-term incentive).

• Opportunity to join a global technology leader with an outstanding innovation track record.

• Leadership role with genuine influence over the European automotive business.

• Entrepreneurial, collaborative culture that values strategic thinking and creativity.