Sales Director - Tiers

The Sales Director is responsible for driving strategic growth across regional automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEM customers. This role focuses on securing wins, managing complex multi-year programs, and expanding adoption of advanced connector and interconnect solutions. The ideal candidate brings deep automotive expertise, strong technical sales capabilities, and a proven ability to influence both engineering and executive stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Leadership (Automotive Tier 1 & OEMs)

• Own and lead commercial relationships with key automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEM customers.

• Develop and execute multi-year account strategies aligned to vehicle platform roadmaps and program launches.

• Build strong relationships across engineering, purchasing, and executive leadership within customer organizations.

• Manage long design cycles tied to vehicle platforms, ensuring early engagement in RFQ/RFI processes.

• Deliver against aggressive revenue and margin targets tied to automotive platforms and programs.

• Build and maintain a high-quality pipeline aligned to future vehicle platforms (3–7 year horizon).

• Lead forecasting aligned to customer production volumes and platform lifecycles.

• Identify growth opportunities in emerging automotive trends such as electrification (EV/HEV), autonomous driving, connectivity, and lightweighting.

• Expand share of wallet within existing Tier 1 accounts and penetrate new OEM platforms.

• Collaborate with customers to identify unmet needs and position innovative connector solutions.

• Partner with engineering and product management to align product roadmaps with automotive requirements (e.g., high voltage, high-speed data).

• Lead pricing strategy, contract negotiations, LTAs (Long-Term Agreements), and sourcing discussions.

• Navigate cost engineering, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), and annual cost-down expectations.

• Ensure compliance with automotive commercial and quality requirements.

• Monitor automotive megatrends, competitive landscape, and regulatory impacts (e.g., EV adoption, safety standards).

• Provide insights to guide innovation in connector technologies (high-speed, sealed, miniaturized, high-power).

• Lead and develop key account managers and the Tier1 sales teams.

• Foster collaboration across teams supporting major OEM platforms.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in automotive sales, preferably in connectors, interconnects, or automotive electronics.

• Proven success managing Tier 1 suppliers and/or OEM accounts.

• Strong experience with automotive design cycles, RFQs, and platform-based selling.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of automotive systems: EV powertrain, ADAS, infotainment, body electronics.

• Strong understanding of automotive quality and program requirements (PPAP, APQP, IATF 16949).

• Demonstrated success in design-in selling and influencing engineering decisions.

• Excellent executive communication and negotiation skills.

• Strategic mindset with ability to manage long, complex sales cycles.

Key Performance Indicators

• Revenue growth across automotive Tier 1 accounts

• Number and value of design wins tied to vehicle platforms

• Program conversion rate (RFQ → award → SOP)

• Market share in key automotive platforms

• Customer satisfaction and retention

Work Environment & Travel

Travel required (30–50%), including domestic and international customer visits.

Ability to operate in a fast-paced, global automotive environment with long development cycles.

WHY JOIN US?

• You can grow at Aptiv. Aptiv provides an inclusive work environment where all individuals can grow and develop, regardless of gender, ethnicity or beliefs.

• You can have an impact. Safety is a core Aptiv value; we want a safer world for us and our children, one with: Zero fatalities, Zero injuries, Zero accidents.

• You have support. We ensure you have the resources and support you need to take care of your family and your physical and mental health with a competitive health insurance package.