Company Overview

Our client is a global manufacturer of high-precision fastening systems serving automotive, electric vehicle, and engineered industrial applications. The group operates internationally and supplies leading OEMs and Tier 1 / Tier 2 suppliers worldwide.

The Chinese operation is a fast-growing production and commercial entity with approximately 80 employees and €5 million annual turnover, supplying industrial fasteners primarily to local EV manufacturers and automotive suppliers.

To further strengthen its leadership team and accelerate commercial growth in China, the company is now seeking a Deputy General Manager – China, with a strong focus on sales leadership, business development, and overall operational management.

Job Profile:

Position Summary:

The Deputy General Manager will play a key leadership role in the Chinese operation, combining commercial leadership, sales management, and general operational responsibility.
The primary focus of the role will be to drive sales growth, strengthen customer relationships, and expand the company’s footprint in the Chinese automotive and EV market, while also supporting the overall management of the factory and organization.
This position acts as a core member of the local management team, closely working with the General Manager and HQ, and contributing to the long-term development and profitability of the China business.
The role is based in the Shanghai area, close to the factory and major customer base.

Job Details:

Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and further develop the commercial and sales activities of the China operation
Drive revenue growth with a strong focus on EV OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers
Personally manage and develop strategic key accounts and high-potential customers
Identify new business opportunities in the fast-growing Chinese EV and e-mobility ecosystem
Lead major RFQs, long-term supply agreements, and pricing negotiations
Strengthen relationships with purchasing, engineering, and program management teams at customer side
Develop structured sales plans, pipelines, and account strategies
Act as a senior member of the local management team, supporting overall business leadership
Contribute to P&L performance, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability improvement
Participate in strategic planning and long-term business development of the China operation
Coordinate closely with production, quality, engineering, and supply chain functions
Ensure smooth day-to-day operations and alignment between commercial and operational priorities
Lead, coach, and develop the local sales and commercial organization
Build a strong performance culture focused on growth, customer satisfaction, and execution excellence
Support recruitment, onboarding, and talent development within the commercial team
Promote cross-functional collaboration between sales, operations, and engineering
Act as a key interface between the China organization and HQ / regional management
Provide regular reporting on sales performance, pipeline, forecasts, and market trends
Represent the company in strategic customer meetings, audits, and industry events
Contribute to global initiatives, product strategy discussions, and platform development

Qualifications:

Candidate Profile:

10+ years of experience in B2B industrial / automotive sales and commercial leadership
Strong exposure to: Industrial fasteners or industrial components - Automotive / EV supply chain - Tier 1 / Tier 2 supplier environments
Proven track record in sales leadership, key account management, and business development in China
Experience working in an international company or JV environment strongly preferred
Strong commercial mindset with hands-on sales leadership capability
Solid understanding of automotive / EV purchasing processes, RFQs, and supplier management
Ability to combine strategic thinking with operational execution
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
Chinese: Native or fluent (mandatory)
English: Fluent (mandatory, daily working language with HQ and international teams)
Willingness to travel domestically within China and occasionally internationally
Based in or willing to relocate to the Shanghai area

Benefit:

What’s on Offer:

Competitive Salary
Senior leadership role within a fast-growing international industrial group
Competitive executive-level compensation package
Performance-based bonus linked to business and sales results
High level of responsibility and visibility within the organization
Direct impact on shaping the future growth of the China operation
Long-term career opportunity within a stable and expanding global group

Apply Now