
Sales Strategy & Business Development Manager - Autonomous Driving
Volkswagen of America, Inc, Belmont, CA, United States
We are a part of Volkswagen Group of America’s Autonomous Driving Mobility & Transport (ADMT) business unit, developing and delivering fully autonomous mobility and transportation services. Our mission is to provide safe, accessible, and attractive mobility‑as‑a‑service solutions for society.
Brief Role Description
The ADMT Sales Strategy & Business Development Manager defines future business models and commercializes the ID.Buzz AD product in the US through B2B revenue‑generating activities, including deal sourcing, negotiations, contracting, program management, and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Business Development – 70%
Define B2B sales strategy by segmenting new distribution channels, use cases, assessing product‑market fit and prioritizing short‑ and long‑term growth opportunities.
Develop operational and financial models to support key decisions and project prioritization.
Lead the end‑to‑end deal flow process: partner sourcing & engagement strategy, term‑sheet negotiations, contract drafting, and stakeholder management.
Build long‑term partner relationships and manage accounts for existing deployments while driving new business development.
Present regular US sales revenue strategy, business development, and project execution updates in leadership reviews.
Drive cross‑functional team (product, engineering, operations, finance, legal) buy‑in and influence key planning decisions.
Business Planning – 20%
Support ongoing development of the ADMT US business case, including budget reviews and long‑range planning.
Lead various project initiatives, evaluating alternatives, assessing risk, financial impact, and creating implementation roadmaps.
Market Intelligence / Other – 10%
Maintain up‑to‑date market insights on key industry players & ecosystem and develop best practices to respond to threats, opportunities, and trends.
Mentor team members to share best practices and foster professional growth.
Qualifications
Years of Relevant Experience
6‑10+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, management consulting, or investment banking/private equity within automotive, technology, or transportation sectors.
Strong understanding of business models in autonomous, mobility, and transportation ecosystems and experience managing end‑to‑end dealmaking with strategic partners.
Education
Required
Any relevant degree that demonstrates comparable qualification.
Desired
Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Engineering, or another quantitative field.
MBA or master’s degree in a quantitative field.
Skills
Strong relational and influencing skills to manage strategic partner initiatives.
Exceptional written and verbal communication.
Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, dynamic environments.
Project‑management proficiency and due‑diligence.
Proficient problem‑solving with a solutions‑oriented mindset.
Sound judgment and meticulous planning skills.
Specialized Skills
Desired
Familiarity with the autonomous driving industry, operating models, and key value‑chain activities.
Experience engaging executives, managing partner relationships, leading negotiations, and developing key positions.
Legal review and contract drafting experience across R&D and commercial projects.
Comfortable navigating complex financial models and formulating commercial offers.
Advanced proficiency in developing internal and external presentations.
Leadership experience collaborating across all levels, managing teams, and delivering large projects on schedule.
Experience commercializing new business and technology products in autonomous, mobility, or robotics.
Experience working in large tech companies, automotive OEMs, or mobility/transportation firms.
Experience building sales pipelines and prioritizing partners across use cases, product, technology readiness, and financial viability.
Successful end‑to‑end deal‑flow management for large‑scale contracts.
Work Flexibility
Accommodation for international time‑zone differences as needed.
Domestic and international travel: 10‑25 %.
Flexible daily schedule, including early mornings with Europe, evenings for the West Coast, weekends for events and travel.
Compensation
In Silicon Valley (California), the salary range for this role is $155,000 – $175,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly.
Equal Opportunity Statement
ADMT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected class.
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Brief Role Description
The ADMT Sales Strategy & Business Development Manager defines future business models and commercializes the ID.Buzz AD product in the US through B2B revenue‑generating activities, including deal sourcing, negotiations, contracting, program management, and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Business Development – 70%
Define B2B sales strategy by segmenting new distribution channels, use cases, assessing product‑market fit and prioritizing short‑ and long‑term growth opportunities.
Develop operational and financial models to support key decisions and project prioritization.
Lead the end‑to‑end deal flow process: partner sourcing & engagement strategy, term‑sheet negotiations, contract drafting, and stakeholder management.
Build long‑term partner relationships and manage accounts for existing deployments while driving new business development.
Present regular US sales revenue strategy, business development, and project execution updates in leadership reviews.
Drive cross‑functional team (product, engineering, operations, finance, legal) buy‑in and influence key planning decisions.
Business Planning – 20%
Support ongoing development of the ADMT US business case, including budget reviews and long‑range planning.
Lead various project initiatives, evaluating alternatives, assessing risk, financial impact, and creating implementation roadmaps.
Market Intelligence / Other – 10%
Maintain up‑to‑date market insights on key industry players & ecosystem and develop best practices to respond to threats, opportunities, and trends.
Mentor team members to share best practices and foster professional growth.
Qualifications
Years of Relevant Experience
6‑10+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, management consulting, or investment banking/private equity within automotive, technology, or transportation sectors.
Strong understanding of business models in autonomous, mobility, and transportation ecosystems and experience managing end‑to‑end dealmaking with strategic partners.
Education
Required
Any relevant degree that demonstrates comparable qualification.
Desired
Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Engineering, or another quantitative field.
MBA or master’s degree in a quantitative field.
Skills
Strong relational and influencing skills to manage strategic partner initiatives.
Exceptional written and verbal communication.
Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, dynamic environments.
Project‑management proficiency and due‑diligence.
Proficient problem‑solving with a solutions‑oriented mindset.
Sound judgment and meticulous planning skills.
Specialized Skills
Desired
Familiarity with the autonomous driving industry, operating models, and key value‑chain activities.
Experience engaging executives, managing partner relationships, leading negotiations, and developing key positions.
Legal review and contract drafting experience across R&D and commercial projects.
Comfortable navigating complex financial models and formulating commercial offers.
Advanced proficiency in developing internal and external presentations.
Leadership experience collaborating across all levels, managing teams, and delivering large projects on schedule.
Experience commercializing new business and technology products in autonomous, mobility, or robotics.
Experience working in large tech companies, automotive OEMs, or mobility/transportation firms.
Experience building sales pipelines and prioritizing partners across use cases, product, technology readiness, and financial viability.
Successful end‑to‑end deal‑flow management for large‑scale contracts.
Work Flexibility
Accommodation for international time‑zone differences as needed.
Domestic and international travel: 10‑25 %.
Flexible daily schedule, including early mornings with Europe, evenings for the West Coast, weekends for events and travel.
Compensation
In Silicon Valley (California), the salary range for this role is $155,000 – $175,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly.
Equal Opportunity Statement
ADMT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected class.
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