Channel Sales Manager - Europe (Factory Automation) (m/f/d)

Job brief Are you an entrepreneurial Sales Professional looking to build a European channel network from scratch? Our client is a fast-growing, innovative manufacturer of core industrial automation components ( Servo Drives, PLCs, and HMIs ). As they scale their footprint from their German regional hub, they are hiring a Channel Sales Manager to spearhead their distribution and system integrator network across all European markets outside the DACH region .If you have a strong track record in B2B industrial component sales and want the autonomy to shape a regional market from the ground up, we want to hear from you! Responsibilities Network Expansion and Onboarding: Identify, evaluate, and recruit high-caliber automation distributors and specialized component dealers across non-DACH European countries. Full Sales Cycle Partner Support: Guide and support channel partners from initial lead qualification and technical architecture discussions through to solution positioning, quotation, and project closure. Technical Enablement and Collaboration: Coordinate closely with internal application engineering teams to deliver product training, live demos, Proof-of-Concepts (POCs), and technical workshops for partner engineers. Market Intelligence and Reviews: Monitor and report on regional automation trends, competitor pricing, and local product compliance needs. Conduct structured business reviews with partners to ensure joint targets are met. Field Representation and CRM: Represent the company at European automation trade shows, partner events, and on-site customer visits. Maintain structured sales forecasts and pipeline tracking within the CRM. Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Business Administration, or a related technical field. Experience: 3+ years of proven B2B industrial sales experience, specifically within factory automation, industrial components, machinery, or drive systems . Sales Ecosystem Knowledge: Solid understanding of multi-country distributor management, system integrator models, and project-driven industrial sales cycles across Europe. Technical Competence: Ability to discuss technical concepts comfortably with application engineers and understand core automation architectures (e.g., fieldbus protocols, motion control loops, PLC programming logic). Language and Travel: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills. High willingness to travel frequently across European markets. Mindset: Highly self-driven, proactive, and energized by the challenge of building a regional market from the ground up alongside an agile team. Nice to Have Product Familiarity: Prior experience selling or supporting servo drives, motion controllers, PLCs, HMIs, or low-voltage switchgears . Existing Network: An established network of automation distributors or active system integrators in specific European automation markets (e.g., CEE, Southern Europe, or Nordics).