Sales Division Manager (USA)

Our client is a large international industrial group (30,000+ employees) building a global tyre business with three modern manufacturing sites and a long-term goal to join the world’s leading tyre companies. Export is now a top strategic priority - and the US is one of the most important launches on the roadmap.

We are looking for a fearless, high-ownership sales professional to become the first person on the ground in the USA. You’ll be responsible for turning the market from “opportunity” into “revenue”: opening doors, negotiating with distributors/dealers, building a client base, and representing the brand locally.

It’s a market-entry mission. As soon as the first wave is secured, the company plans to scale the team and move into a structured regional sales model with direct reports.

What you will do:

• Launch the US route-to-market for passenger car tyres: define priority customer segments, channel mix (distribution / dealer networks / regional wholesalers), and an execution roadmap.
• Open and convert target accounts: build relationships with distributors, dealer groups, and independent tire retailers; lead outreach, discovery, proposals, and onboarding.
• Secure the first commercial agreements: negotiate pricing frameworks, volume/discount programs, payment terms, and partner standards.
• Drive first sales cycles end-to-end: from listing and forecasting to coordinating availability, delivery timelines, and launch support with HQ teams.
• Own after-sales fundamentals: handle partner feedback, claims/escalations, and ensure a professional customer experience as the brand enters the market.
• Build a repeatable sales operating rhythm: CRM hygiene, pipeline management, forecasting, weekly reporting, and KPI tracking.
• Represent the brand in the field: frequent travel across the territory, partner visits, events, and market intelligence.
• Scale the organization: once traction is proven, hire and lead regional sales managers and grow a structured US sales team.

Why it’s interesting:

• Existing relationships with tire distributors / dealer groups / regional wholesalers in the Upper Midwest and Northeast (territory to be confirmed).
• Experience launching a new brand/product line in the US aftermarket.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven B2B sales experience in tyres / automotive aftermarket / closely related consumer goods (track record matters).
• Experience selling through distribution/dealer channels in the US tyre aftermarket (sell-in + partner programs).
• Hands-on “builder” mindset: comfortable working solo at the start and creating structure from scratch.
• Strong negotiation skills across different buyer types (distributors, dealers, owners, independent traders).
• Market understanding: knows how regional tyre distribution works in the US (routes-to-market, seasonality, pricing realities).
• Fluent English.

Nice to have:

• Existing book of relationships in distribution/dealer networks in Michigan, Vermont, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts.
• Experience launching new geographies or products.

Compensation & setup:

• Base salary (competitive; depends on experience and scope).
• Performance bonus tied to agreed KPIs (paid quarterly; bonus frequency may evolve as the US operation scales).
• Additional annual / long-term incentives (details discussed with finalists).
• Location: USA (final hub/state to be agreed; the role requires frequent regional travel).
• Benefits: standard US benefits package in line with local market practice and company policy (typically including health coverage and paid time off; specifics shared at offer stage).
• Travel & expenses: business travel is supported; expenses reimbursed per policy.
• Vehicle: the company is evaluating the best field-sale