As the Head of Sales for ZEISS Camera, you will drive the sustainable and profitable growth of our global photo business, ensuring margin excellence, profitable sell-through, and long-term development in a premium and high-involvement market with complex products together with your team.
You will develop and implement an integrated sales, marketing, and service strategy to further strengthen ZEISS's position in the camera and photo lens market – with a clear focus on value-oriented sales beyond mere volume logic.
Your Role:
Build, lead, and further develop a high-performing sales organization for the consumer sector as well as industrial customers.
Assume global overall responsibility including distribution management and oversight of regional experts (both direct and in matrix structures).
Actively participate in the leadership team of the Mobile Imaging business unit to further develop strategic direction and portfolio.
Plan and manage global sales, marketing, and service budgets as well as conduct regular performance reviews.
Represent the ZEISS brand at external industry events and customer gatherings.
Further develop the service area towards value-creating, customer-centric service offerings.
Ensure that customer needs – particularly in high-involvement and B2B2C environments – systematically influence business-relevant decisions.
This position combines strategic responsibility, operational excellence, and international leadership.
Your Profile
You bring a deep market understanding of the photo and camera lens industry, are familiar with trends, customer needs, and the dynamics of a premium segment with high consulting and explanatory needs.
You excel in:
A completed degree in engineering, business administration, or sales; an MBA or equivalent qualification is preferred.
At least 10 years of sales experience, with 5 years in a leadership role, ideally in the camera/optics industry.
A clear understanding of how sales, marketing, and service must work together to ensure scalable sell-through (including distributor models).
Solid B2B2C understanding and experience in dealing with high-involvement customer segments.
Proven leadership skills: building, motivating, and developing high-performing international teams.
Proficient use of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) as well as experience with SAP or other ERP systems, particularly in supply chain/inventory management.
Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making and identifying growth levers.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Bastian Hoffmann
