Strategic Account Manager (m/f/d)

Splunk, a Cisco company, is building a safer and more resilient digital world with an end-to-end full stack platform made for a hybrid, multi-cloud world. Leading enterprises use our unified security and observability platform to keep their digital systems secure and reliable. Our customers love our technology, but it's our caring employees that make Splunk stand out as an amazing career destination. No matter where in the world or what level of the organization, we approach our work with kindness. So bring your work experience, problem-solving skills and talent, of course, but also bring your joy, your passion and all the things that make you, you. Come help organizations be their best, while you reach new heights with a team that has your back.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a results-driven and highly skilled Strategic Account Manager (m/f/d) to join one of our dynamic Strategic sales teams. This role requires an experienced professional with deep knowledge of the German automotive market and a strong network within major automotive OEMs and other key stakeholders in the industry. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining existing and growing relationships with key German automotive clients, developing tailored sales strategies, and driving revenue growth across the portfolio.

You will play a critical role in understanding customer needs, driving business opportunities, and positioning Splunk as a preferred partner for automotive innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders in major German automotive OEMs (e.g. VW)

• Sales Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement targeted sales strategies to achieve revenue growth, penetration, and market share expansion within the German automotive sector

• Account Development: Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities within existing accounts, driving sales of products and services across the portfolio

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with internal teams (product development, engineering, marketing) to develop tailored solutions that address the specific needs of German automotive customers

• Negotiation & Closing: Lead contract negotiations and sales presentations with C-level stakeholders, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements that align with company goals

• Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activities, and technological advancements within the German automotive market to ensure the company’s offerings remain competitive and relevant

• Sales Forecasting & Reporting: Regularly report on account performance, pipeline status, and sales forecasts, providing insights and recommendations for improvement

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and customer support, to ensure the successful delivery and satisfaction of customer projects

• Travel: Able to travel 3-4x per week to customer sites, automotive trade shows, and industry events as needed

Key Requirements:

• Experience:

• • Minimum 5-8 years of strategic sales or account management experience, with a focus on the German automotive industry.

  • Proven track record of successfully managing and growing relationships with German automotive OEMs and other key stakeholders.

  • Strong understanding of the German automotive market, including key players, industry trends, and challenges.

  • Experience with enterprise-level software solutions in the Automotive Industry

• Industry Knowledge:

• • Deep knowledge of automotive technologies, trends, and innovations (e.g., electric vehicles, autonomous driving, advanced manufacturing techniques).

  • Familiarity with the supply chain dynamics of the automotive sector, including product development cycles and procurement processes.

  • Knowledge of automotive industry certifications, standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).

• Sales Expertise:

• • Demonstrated success in B2B sales, with the ability to build strategic partnerships and negotiate complex contracts.

  • Strong understanding of sales processes and MEDDPICC sales methodologies, including opportunity identification, qualification, proposal development, and closing.

  • Experience in selling high-value, complex software solutions with multiple stakeholders.

  • Daily usage of our CRM tools and sales pipeline management software (Salesforce)

• Communication Skills:

• • Fluent in both English and German (both spoken and written).

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to drive consensus and build alignment across diverse teams and customers.

• Leadership & Collaboration:

• • Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, including engineering, product development, and operations, to deliver customer-centric solutions.

  • Strong leadership skills to drive strategic initiatives and motivate cross-functional teams.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving:

• • Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to inform sales strategies.

  • Ability to solve complex customer problems and deliver value-based solutions.

• Education:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.

• Travel: Ability to travel up to 50% within Germany and internationally as needed.

Splunk, a Cisco company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.