Automotive Sales Director - North America

Prysmian is the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. Each year, the company manufactures thousands of miles of underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, as well as medium low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors. We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice, video and data transmission for the telecommunication sector.

We are 30,000 employees, across 50+ countries. Everyone at Prysmian has the potential to make their mark; because whatever you do, wherever you are based, you will be part of a company that is helping transform the world around us.

Team Overview and Job responsibilities

In this important position reporting to the Vice President of the Specialties Business Unit in North America, you will be responsible for the sales and business strategy of the Automotive business.

Located on-site in Highland Heights Kentucky and requiring routine travel to customers and Automotive plant locations, this position is responsible for leading the strategic direction, commercial growth, and operational execution of the automotive sector within the wire and cable division in the North American market.

This executive-level role combines deep industry knowledge, business acumen, and strong leadership to drive revenue, profitability, innovation, and customer satisfaction in a highly competitive and fast-evolving environment.

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the business unit’s strategy aligned with corporate goals.
• Monitor industry trends (e.g., EV transition, lightweighting, sustainability) and translate them into actionable initiatives.
• Lead the development of long-term business plans and investment strategies.

P&L Management

• Own full profit & loss responsibility for the Automotive wire & cable business.
• Develop annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and cost management initiatives to meet or exceed financial targets.

Commercial Growth

• Lead sales, marketing, and business development initiatives to grow market share.
• Build and nurture relationships with OEMs, Tier 1s, and other key stakeholders in the automotive value chain.
• Define and manage the go-to-market strategy including sales agencies and distributors.
• Oversee pricing, contract negotiations, and strategic partnerships.

Product & Innovation Leadership

• Guide R&D and product development teams in creating next-generation cable solutions (e.g., high-voltage EV cables, data transmission, weight reduction).
• Drive innovation to meet customer requirements and industry certifications (e.g., ISO/TS 16949, IATF 16949).

Operational Excellence

• Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure delivery, quality, and cost objectives are met.
• Champion continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles.

Team Development & Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performance cross-functional team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and results.
• Mentor future leaders and promote professional development.

Competencies 

• Strategic thinking and long-term vision
• Commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Results-oriented leadership
• Adaptability in a dynamic, evolving industry

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field. MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in the wire & cable or automotive components industry.
• Ability to travel 40%
• Proven success in leading a business unit or major product line with P&L ownership.
• Strong knowledge of automotive OEM/Tier 1 procurement cycles and product requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence across global matrices.
• Deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, technical product development, and quality systems in the automotive market.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Works out of a normal office environment with standard office equipment available.
• Extended periods of sitting or standing at a desk or workstation.
• Repetitive tasks such as typing, filing, and data entry, which may require dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Will be required to sit, bend, kneel, squat, use keyboard, read, write, and speak fluently.
• Employee will regularly be required to lift and carry objects of 5-10 pounds as needed.
• Employee will occasionally be required to lift and carry objects of 15-25 pounds as needed.
• Employee will be required to work productively and cooperatively in a high-volume, fast paced, highly pressured environment and be able to respond efficiently and courteously to unanticipated problems and crisis.
• This role is not typically exposed to adverse environmental conditions, except excessive eye strain.
• When travel is necessary, will be exposed to typical travel environment and surroundings.

Prysmian, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, aims to attract and recruit individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities. We strongly believe that diversity brings significant value at all levels of the organization, increasing the possibility of capturing market opportunities and maximizing value for our customers and stakeholders. With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) as part of our Social Ambition 2030 and a strategic pillar of our Company culture, Prysmian is committed to the development of an organization that prioritizes talent, where people feel respected, included, and free to fully express their potential just as they are.

All Managers and HRs in Prysmian are responsible for ensuring DE&I policies are respected during the recruiting process, as well as recognizing and mitigating unconscious biases that must not influence our selection processes. All persons will be considered for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, origin, citizenship status, socio-economic status, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, parental leave, medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Prysmian will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation for any disclosed physical or neurological condition or disability of a qualified applicant unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

Visit our DE&I Page to learn more about Prysmian’s commitments.

Your application data will be treated according to our Data Protection Policy. If you believe you require assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at talent.mobility@prysmiangroup.com.

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