Zone sales manager - italy - north-east

Changan

is one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers, recognized globally for

innovation, quality, and a strong focus on electrification

. Changan Italy is currently in a start‑up phase, building its organization, commercial processes, and dealer network from the ground up.

We are a motivated, energetic, and entrepreneurial team committed to shaping Changan’s growth in the Italian market

, particularly through a new generation of electric and electrified vehicles.

Zone Sales Manager – Changan Italy (Nort-East) Role Overview The Zone Sales Manager (ZSM) is a pivotal field role responsible for

driving sales performance, dealer development, and customer experience

across the assigned region. This is a highly hands-on and entrepreneurial position, ideal for professionals who thrive in fast-moving start-up environments. The role requires strong execution capabilities, strong field presence, and the ability to build structure while delivering immediate commercial results. A solid understanding of the Italian automotive retail landscape and the transition toward electrified mobility (BEV/PHEV) is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Dealer Network Management ● Develop, support, and elevate the dealer network to achieve sales, profitability, and customer experience targets. ● Monitor key KPIs: sales performance, pipeline quality, stock rotation, test drives, conversion rates, and CRM usage. ● Ensure dealer compliance with brand standards, processes, and operational guidelines. ● Accelerate network readiness for electrified vehicles, including showroom setup, training, charging ecosystem, and customer education.

Sales Performance & Market Development ● Build and execute regional sales plans aligned with national objectives. ● Identify local growth opportunities and implement initiatives to improve market penetration and brand visibility. ● Closely monitor market trends, competitor dynamics, and the evolution of EV adoption in the region. ● Support early market development in a brand-building phase, balancing volume growth with premium positioning.

Business Operations & Execution ● Deliver accurate forecasting of regional sales volumes and dealer orders. ● Support product launches, commercial campaigns, and tactical sales initiatives. ● Maintain a strong field presence through regular dealer visits, ensuring fast problem-solving and performance acceleration. ● Act as the first escalation point for operational challenges impacting sales execution.

Start-Up Contribution ● Actively contribute to building processes, tools, and ways of working from the ground up. ● Embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset, going beyond traditional corporate boundaries when needed. ● Collaborate within a fast-growing, multicultural environment where adaptability and ownership are key. ● Contribute to shaping the commercial culture and field standards of Changan in Italy.

Relationship Management ● Build trust-based relationships with dealer principals, owners, and sales leaders. ● Act as a credible business partner, able to challenge and support the network. ● Work cross-functionally with marketing, aftersales, product, EV operations, and network development teams.

Reporting ● Provide clear and structured reporting on dealer performance, risks, and growth opportunities. ● Track and communicate EV-related KPIs and regional trends. ● Present regional performance updates during internal business reviews.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for candidates who have ● Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Marketing, or related field. ● 4–7 years of automotive experience in sales, dealer management, or field operations (OEM experience preferred). ● Proven exposure to electrified mobility (BEV/PHEV), product launches, or EV network readiness. ● Strong understanding of the Italian automotive retail ecosystem. ● Demonstrated track record in improving dealer performance and delivering sales targets.

Experience in start-up, scale-up, or brand launch environments is a strong plus. International or multicultural experience will be considered an advantage.

Skills & Competencies ● Strong ownership mindset and hands-on execution style. ● Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. ● Solid analytical capabilities combined with strong commercial intuition. ● Ability to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities. ● Familiarity with CRM systems, sales dashboards, and MS Office tools. ● Availability for frequent travel within the assigned region. ● Professional fluency in Italian and English is required.

What We Offer

● The opportunity to play a key role in building Changan’s presence in Italy from the ground up. ● A dynamic, entrepreneurial, and multicultural environment. ● High visibility, real ownership, and tangible business impact. ● Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives. ● Long-term growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding global automotive group.

Shape a brand. Grow a market. Make your mark in Italy’s next big automotive story!