UK & EU Commercial Manager – Axscend
Job Purpose
This role is responsible for driving business growth for both SAF-HOLLAND and Axscend across the European commercial vehicle sector. The position combines strategic business development, account management, and technical sales support, focusing on expanding relationships with fleet operators, trailer manufacturers (OEMs), trailer rental providers, logistics organisations, transport operators, and strategic partners.
The successful candidate will identify new market opportunities, develop long-term customer relationships, promote integrated SAF-HOLLAND and Axscend solutions, and support the growth of telematics, trailer technology, running gear, braking and axle systems throughout Europe.
Acting as a trusted advisor to customers, the role will help position SAF-HOLLAND and Axscend as leading providers of innovative fleet and trailer technologies that improve safety, compliance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development
- Identify and secure new business opportunities across Europe.
- Develop relationships with fleet operators, trailer OEMs, rental companies, logistics providers and dealer networks.
- Create and execute territory development plans to expand market share.
- Generate opportunities through networking, industry events, exhibitions and customer referrals.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and emerging technologies.
- Support the launch and promotion of new products and services across European markets.
- Develop strategic partnerships that strengthen the SAF-HOLLAND and Axscend offering.
Key Account Management
- Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic European accounts.
- Build trusted relationships with senior decision-makers including Fleet Directors, Procurement Managers, Engineering Teams and OEM leadership.
- Conduct regular customer reviews and business development meetings.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue and service adoption within existing accounts.
- Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term retention.
Customer Engagement & Solution Selling
- Understand customer operational challenges and business objectives.
- Promote Axscend telematics solutions alongside SAF-HOLLAND products and services.
- Deliver compelling commercial and technical presentations to customers.
- Prepare business cases, ROI calculations and value propositions.
- Coordinate demonstrations, trials and proof-of-concept projects.
- Support customers through implementation and adoption of solutions.
OEM & Fleet Development
- Engage directly with European trailer manufacturers to identify opportunities for product specification and technology integration.
- Support SAF-HOLLAND and Axscend participation in OEM development programmes.
- Develop relationships with major fleet operators to influence specification decisions.
- Identify opportunities to integrate telematics with fleet maintenance and operational processes.
- Act as the voice of the customer, feeding market requirements back into product development teams.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Marketing and Customer Service teams.
- Support customer onboarding and implementation activities.
- Collaborate with European colleagues to ensure consistency of approach across markets.
- Assist with customer training and educational events.
- Contribute to strategic growth initiatives and market expansion projects.
CRM & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of customer activity, opportunities and forecasts.
- Manage sales pipelines through CRM systems.
- Produce monthly reports covering market activity, opportunities and performance.
- Deliver accurate sales forecasting and business development updates.
- Track progress against agreed targets and objectives.
Key Relationships
Internal
- Managing Director
- Sales Director
- European Sales Teams
- Marketing
- Operations
- Engineering and Product Development
- Customer Service
External
- Fleet Operators
- Trailer Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Trailer Rental Businesses
- Logistics Companies
- Transport Operators
- Dealers and Distributors
- Industry Associations
- Strategic Partners
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in business development, account management or technical sales.
- Strong commercial awareness within the commercial vehicle, trailer, automotive or transport sectors.
- Experience working with fleets, trailer manufacturers or logistics operators.
- Ability to develop relationships at all organisational levels.
- Strong presentation, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to identify commercial opportunities and convert them into long-term business.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach to customer engagement.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Willingness to undertake regular European travel.
Desirable
- Knowledge of telematics, connected vehicle technology or fleet management systems.
- Experience within trailer, axle, braking or commercial vehicle industries.
- Familiarity with European fleet operations and transport legislation.
- Additional European language skills.
- Experience working within an OEM or supplier environment.
Success Measures
- Growth in SAF-HOLLAND and Axscend revenue across assigned territories.
- New customer acquisition.
- Expansion of strategic fleet and OEM relationships.
- Increased telematics adoption across European markets.
- Achievement of sales and pipeline targets.
- Customer retention and satisfaction levels.
- Successful delivery of European growth initiatives.
This role offers the opportunity to become a key commercial ambassador for both SAF-HOLLAND and Axscend, helping drive the next phase of growth across the European transport and trailer industry.
Offering:
£85K per annum + Bonus
Company Car
Laptop/Phone
Workplace Pension
Gym Membership Contribution
Cash Health Plan
…