Area Sales Manager - East of England
Automotive Cooling & HVAC Systems
Region: East Midlands, Northern Home Counties and North London
Salary: Up to £60,000 + 15% Bonus + Hybrid Company Car or Allowance + Benefits
Sector: Automotive OEM, Aftermarket & Distribution
Employer: Premium Italian Manufacturer - Specialist Cooling Technologies
About the Company:
Our client is a premium Italian manufacturer renowned for its innovation, craftsmanship, and performance in automotive cooling technologies, HVAC systems, and air movement devices. With manufacturing facilities near Milan and a strong heritage in the West Midlands, the company combines Italian engineering excellence with a commitment to quality, reliability, and customer partnership.
The Role:
As Area Sales Manager, you will be responsible for developing and managing sales across the Northern Home Counties, East Midlands, and Yorkshire. You'll work closely with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, aftermarket customers, dealers, retailers and distribution partners, building long-term relationships and driving new business opportunities for a range of specialist thermal management and HVAC products.
This is a hands-on, field-based role requiring a technically competent and commercially driven sales professional with the motivation to cover a large territory and stay overnight as required.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and execute a territory sales plan to achieve growth and profitability targets.
* Manage existing accounts while identifying and securing new business opportunities across OEM and Aftermarket customers.
* Build strong, lasting relationships with Technical and Engineering teams, being able to work on specifications, plans and technical plans as well as commercial deals.
* Provide technical advice and support, liaising with engineering and production teams in Italy and the UK.
* Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer requirements to inform strategic planning.
* Represent the brand at trade events, exhibitions, and customer visits across the region.
Candidate requirements:
* Proven track record in automotive sales, selling to OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or the aftermarket. Ideally 5 years + experience
* Technical qualification (e.g. Degree or HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience).
* Strong technical understanding of automotive cooling, HVAC, or thermal management systems.
* Highly motivated self-starter with excellent organisational and communication skills.
* Comfortable managing a large geographical territory with regular travel and occasional overnight stays.
* Commercially astute, target-driven, and passionate about delivering results.
Package and Benefits:
* Basic salary up to £60,000
* 15% annual bonus
* Company car and comprehensive benefits package
* Opportunity to represent a premium European brand with a strong UK presence and growth ambitions