Sales Strategy & Business Development Manager - Autonomous Driving

Volkswagen Group is focused on developing fully autonomous mobility and transportation services. The Sales Strategy & Business Development Manager will define future business models and commercialize the ID.Buzz AD product in the US market through B2B revenue-generating activities.

Responsibilities:

• Define future B2B sales strategy by identifying and segmenting new distribution channels, use cases, assessing product-market fit, and prioritizing near vs. long-term growth opportunities
• Oversee development of operational and financial models to inform key decisions, prioritize projects for business development and/or supporting partner commercial negotiations
• Lead end-to-end deal flow process including partner sourcing & engagement strategy, term sheet negotiations, contract drafting, and managing stakeholders to deliver timely support
• Build long-term partner relationships, performing account management duties for existing customer deployments while spearheading new business development for future deployments
• Present regular US sales revenue strategy, business development, and project execution updates in leadership reviews (e.g. committee, steering reviews)
• Drive leadership and cross-functional team (product, engineering, operations, finance, legal) buy-in and support, and influence key planning decisions for new business development and customer support
• Support on-going development of overall ADMT US business case premises, includes regular reviews with detailed budget development and long-range planning
• Lead development of various project initiatives and recommendations with thorough evaluation of alternatives, risk management, financial impact, and roadmaps required to implement
• Maintain up-to-date market insights on key industry players & ecosystem and develop best practices in responding to threats, opportunities, changes, and trends
• Mentor and guide team members to knowledge share best practices and ensure professional growth

Requirements:

• 6-10+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, management consulting, and/or investment banking/private equity across automotive, technology, or transportation industries
• Strong understanding of business models in autonomous, mobility, and transportation ecosystem and prior experience managing end-to-end dealmaking process with strategic partnerships, including engagement strategy, negotiations, contract drafting and stakeholder buy-in & support process
• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Engineering, or other quantitative field of study with a history of comparable qualification
• Ability to build strong relationships to influence, manage, and execute strategic partner initiatives & organizational priorities
• Exceptional written & verbal communication skills
• Capable of successfully operating in fast-paced & dynamic environments
• Strong project management, comprehensive due-diligence, and organizational skills
• Highly competent in solving complex problems in a proactive, efficient, and a solution-oriented manner
• Strong judgment and detail oriented in exercising careful planning
• Familiarity with autonomous driving industry, operating models, and key value chain activities
• Adept at engaging executives, managing partner relationships, leading negotiations, and developing key positions
• Proven experience with legal review and contract drafting across R&D and commercial projects
• Comfortable navigating complex financial models and formulating commercial offer proposals
• Advanced proficiency in developing various types of external/internal presentations
• Proven leadership to collaborate across all employee levels, manage and drive teams to deliver complex large projects on timely basis
• Accommodation for working time zone differences between international locations as needed
• Domestic and international travel is estimated to be 10-25%
• Role requires flexibility in daily schedule, including early morning meetings with Europe, evenings for the West Coast, and weekends for events and travel
• MBA or Masters in quantitative field is a plus
• Experience commercializing new business & technology products in autonomous, mobility, or robotics industry
• Experience working in large tech companies, automotive OEMs, and/or mobility/transportation companies
• Experience building out sales pipeline and prioritize partners across use cases, product & technology readiness, and financial viability
• Successful closure and end-to-end deal flow management experience of large-scale contracts