Director of Business Development

Sonatus is a well-funded, fast-paced, and fast-growing company whose technologies and software help automakers build dynamic software-defined vehicles. With two generations of solutions already on the road with a top global OEM, our vehicle and cloud software solutions are at the forefront of the digital transformation of vehicles. The Sonatus team is a talented and diverse collection of technology and automotive specialists hailing from many of the most prominent companies in their respective industries.

Sonatus is in an accelerated growth phase and is looking for a highly motivated, accomplished, and driven SR. Sales / BD Director to develop Japanese OEMs & Suppliers. Working hand in hand with the corporate team and a local Pre-Sales Engineer, the candidate will develop and execute a strategic plan with a focus on winning business and developing a strong, long-term customer relationship within Japanese Automotive OEMs. She/he will report to the Global Head of Business Development.

The three most essential characteristics of the role are:

• Proven track record selling advanced technology solutions to Japanese OEMs o References from customers and/or former co-workers may be required at the end of the interview process before an official offer is made o Have experience with new product/technology introduction to at least one design cycle.
• Proven track record of working with Tier 1 Suppliers (i.e. Denso, Hitachi Astemo, etc.). For example, negotiating with Suppliers to deploy Sonatus SW onto Supplier’s HW.
• Established strong high-level connections at Japanese OEMs’ engineering (Assisted Chief Engineer, Chief Engineer, CTO, or CIO levels), procurement, and legal teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Navigate OEMs’ R&D and purchasing organizations (e.g., on- & off-board data
  management teams) and map key groups and individuals to sponsor our product from
  PoC to mass production cycles.
• Utilize existing high-level relationships and form new ones to develop and deploy
  sales plans based on Sonatus’ goals that will promote customer satisfaction and sales
  growth and build the business pipeline by engaging with key partners.
• Develop local strategic relationships with eco-system partners and their local sales
  teams to contribute to business objectives.
• Establish and develop “trusted advisor” relationships with executives from engineering
  and purchasing teams.
• Maintain accurate account plans and forecast.
• Coordinate all activities between different departments, such as Product Management,
  Engineering, Finance, and Legal.

Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ years of BD / Sales experience in software, electronic components, networking, or
  connected car technologies
• 10+ years of experience selling directly to Japanese OEMs, having expertise in new
  product introduction from design cycle to SOP
• Good understanding of automotive software, electronic architecture, on-board and
  cloud communication, real-time OS, ADAS, telematics, data collection & analytics,
  and related domains
• Successful track record interacting within or with at least one Japanese OEM
• Good high-level connections within the engineering or purchasing organizations of at
  least one Japanese OEM
• Strong drive and self-starting capabilities
• Strong understanding of the procurement process (i.e. RFx) for each Japanese OEM
• Ability to travel about once a quarter to Sonatus’ HQ in Silicon Valley

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Proven ability to network, influence, and negotiate deals at Japanese OEMs
• Ability to work with leaders of engineering and purchasing organizations
• Good understanding of the development processes in the automotive industry
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Self-motivated, persistent, organized, team-player, and able to multitask across several
  projects and activities
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in engineering or business
  

Sonatus is a fast-paced and innovative company and are seeking team members who are passionate about making a difference. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, we highly encourage you to apply.
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