Automotive Sales Manager

Siamo un marchio cinese in rapida crescita nel settore dei veicoli elettrici (EV) e dell’automotive consumer, impegnato nel lancio su larga scala in tutta Europa.

In qualità di Sales Development Manager (Italia) sarai la figura chiave a livello locale per lo sviluppo e la crescita della nostra rete di concessionari, delle attività di marketing e dei risultati di vendita sul mercato italiano. Unirai un approccio operativo al supporto commerciale, allo sviluppo della rete dealer, all’esecuzione delle attività di marketing e all’analisi del mercato locale, con l’obiettivo di costruire rapidamente una presenza solida del brand e raggiungere ambiziosi target di vendita in uno dei mercati EV più promettenti d’Europa.

Si tratta di un ruolo ad alto impatto e con forte spirito imprenditoriale, ideale per chi si trova a proprio agio in un ambiente dinamico e internazionale e desidera avere un ruolo centrale nell’introdurre in Italia un marchio automobilistico cinese moderno.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual marketing and channel development plans for the Italian market, including brand promotion, digital marketing campaigns, channel expansion, and local activation to drive sales targets.
• Build, develop, and manage the local dealer network : recruit, onboard, and continuously improve dealer sales capabilities; provide training, tools, and support to maximize dealer performance and lead conversion.
• Manage local media, KOLs, influencers, and strategic partnerships to increase brand awareness, reputation and engagement among Italian consumers and fleet customers. Monitor the effectiveness of market activities, providing data insights and strategic optimization recommendations.
• Design and optimize channel incentives and marketing support programmes (promotions, bonuses, co-marketing funds) to boost dealer motivation, marketing efficiency, and overall terminal (dealer) performance.
• Monitor local market trends, consumer insights, competitor activities, sales data, and inventory levels: provide regular analysis and recommendations to adjust marketing, channel, and sales strategies in real time.
• Oversee dealer inventory, orders and operational processes : resolve product-mix issues, delivery challenges, and day-to-day operational bottlenecks between dealers, headquarters, and logistics.
• Ensure consistent brand standards across all touch-points: support dealers with showroom design, customer experience standards, campaign execution, service upgrades, and after-sales marketing activities.

Required experience & Background

• 4–8 years of relevant experience in automotive, mobility, consumer goods, or retail channel sales/marketing (automotive/EV experience is a strong advantage).
• Proven track record in dealer network development, channel management, or sales support in Italy.
• Experience with B2B/B2C channel sales, dealer training, and performance management.
• Hands-on digital marketing and campaign execution experience.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen and result-oriented mindset.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable plans.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills (dealers, partners, internal stakeholders).
• High energy, pro-activity, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Cultural agility – comfortable working with a remote/Chinese headquarters team.

Required Languages

• Italian (native or C2 level) – mandatory.
• English (C1 level minimum) – mandatory.
• Chinese is a big plus.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, Economics, or related field.

Required specifics

• Your home location should be in the Milan area or within a maximum 2-hour commute (e.g. Monza, Varese, Como, Bergamo, Novara, or similar).
• As this position is a satellite to our European HQ, you will work in a hybrid model with frequent travel to dealers and touch-points across Italy.

What We Offer

• On-Target Earnings of €70,000 – €85,000 gross per year, consisting of a competitive fixed base salary (including 13th and 14th month) plus a 25% performance-based bonus linked to dealer development and sales targets.
• Mobility Budget to cover your preferred form of transportation
• Hybrid working model with the possibility to work from home up to 2 days per week, supported by a monthly home-office allowance (Rimborso for lavoro agile) of €300.
• Private medical insurance coverage.
• International growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding Chinese EV brand.
• Direct exposure to senior management and the chance to shape the Italian market entry from the ground up.

About FAW Europe / HONGQI

FAW Europe is a subsidiary of the China FAW Group Corporation, which is one of the oldest and largest automotive manufacturers in China. Originally founded in 1953 as First Automotive Works, the corporation operates internationally to export and manufacture vehicles in over 70 countries. Ranging from heavy-duty and commercial trucks (through FAW Trucks) to municipal transit buses, construction machinery, and passenger cars. Flagship brands include Jiefang (commercial trucks), Bestune (passenger cars) and HONGQI (high-end luxury vehicles;

Through various international subsidiaries, joint ventures and assembly plants, FAW has a massive presence outside of China, particularly across markets in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. In addition to our own brands, FAW-Volkswagen and FAW Toyota are partnerships that build and sell vehicles within China and globally.

A reference and background check will be part of the selection process.

WE WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM APPLICANTS CURRENTLY RESIDENT WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION, WITH AN UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO WORK IN ITALY.

ACQUISITION AS A RESULT OF THIS VACANCY IS NOT APPRECIATED.