Head of Sales Ophthalmology Americas

About Us:

How many companies can say they have been in business for over 178 years?!

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the ever-changing environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

What’s the role?

The Head of Sales Ophthalmology Americas is responsible for achieving short and long-term strategic sales goals across the Americas region. Operating within the organizational structure of the ZEISS Group (as defined in the ZEISS Blue Book) and guided by the ZEISS SSC Management Principles, this role carries full accountability for ophthalmic revenues and profitability through consolidated regional P&L. The position defines and drives the regional sales strategy in alignment with the overall SBU sales objectives, oversees all sales activities, leads new business development initiatives, and executes the agreed go-to-market approach. Success will be measured by forecast accuracy, orders, revenue and profitability. Beyond these core responsibilities, the role focuses on commercial execution, account management, accelerating recurring revenue, optimizing the portfolio, and strengthening customer relationships. A critical expectation is maintaining a strong presence in the region, being highly engaged with customers, and building trust-based partner-ships that foster sustainable growth and long-term success.

Sound Interesting?

Here’s what you’ll do:

Market Development & Competitive Intelligence

• Analyze, predict and continuously monitor market trends; analyze competitive strategies; identify emerging technologies and define business opportunities and provide continuous feedback to the BG/SBU in HQ.

• Support the development of the BG overall strategy by providing information on regional conditions to secure the feasibility globally.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement the go-to-market approach in accordance with the global (Sales) Strategy and the long range SBU growth ambitions in close cooperation with PC/SSC Management.

• Define country priorities (in alignment with relevant peers) and provide input for BG specific financial targets and personal targets of the PC manager to SSC Head (as defined in the ZEISS SSC Management Principles).

Sales Management

• In Alignment with Group/BG/SSC/SBU and Segment-heads manage the profitability and continued growth of ZEISS products, services and solutions according to SBU growth plan in your area of responsibility.

• Ensure the implementation of the BG strategy, policies, corporate governance requirements, objectives and initiatives in the defined region together with the PC managers.

• Develop and support product positioning, branding, training and promotional strategies on the regional and local levels.

• Actively coach the implementation and use of Customer Relationship Management & Excellence Tools (e.g. CRM, metrics, Maturity Assessment).

• Monitoring of funnel quality and hygiene by KPI’s incl setting up and conducting monthly business calls.

• Plan, manage and monitor sales, profits, costs, inventory levels and debtors; track performance against key performance metrics; provide continuous feedback to top management and ensure the implementation of adequate measures if there is a need for action.

• Development of budget and rolling FCs collaboratively with PC Managers, consolidation for respective region.

• Guarantee an optimum use of resources and funds with the purpose of achieving the short‐term revenue and operating profit targets and strategic objectives (maximizing the performance of the sales staff).

Customer Relationships/Network

• Build and maintain direct contact with existing senior level customers and develop business strategies for senior level customer accounts.

• Identify potential new customers, expand "share of wallet" with existing customers and train and travel with local and regional customers.

• Create and manage Centers of Excellence for ZEISS OPT.

• Develop of a cross border Sales team that allows for exchange of knowledge and resources in Sales and Service in SSCs of respective area and build close relationship and experience-/know-how- exchange with fellow Sales Heads as well as Global Service.

• Develop and maintain a professional network.

Quality improvement

• Manage and monitor internal and external processes, procedures and systems, suggest continuous improvement and ensure that available resources are used efficiently.

Finance, Budget, Investment

• Partner with Human Resources to develop human capital strategies and to establish financial investment required to achieve competitive sales incentive plan structures.

• Partner with Finance to ensure the continuous reporting, forecast and evaluation of all relevant key performance indicators, in particular: orders, sales, gross profit, SSC market contribution, EBIT, OpEx, etc., with the goal of early identification of risks, appropriate actions and the timely introduction of measures.

Leadership

• Guide, motivate, assess, control and develop subordinates according to ZEISS Leadership Principles. Cultivate and promote the ZEISS culture and values.

• Develop and communicate a clear strategy for your area of responsibility and ensure efficient structure and processes

• Establish metrics to assess individual and team performance and manage performance and develop employees effectively.

• Functional leadership of PC managers, Shared responsibilities with SSC Managers for change, development and incentive target setting (VCS) of PC Managers.

Do you qualify?

Education

• University degree in a technical, business management or product related field or graduation from a higher institution, or equivalent.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant sales management or marketing experience, minimum of 2-3 years of experience in people management.

• Experience in Matrix Sales organization - Change management and able to influence the organization.

• Strong internal & external networks within the business segments and industry.

• Strong & detailed knowledge of local markets and market drivers.

• Excellent organizational, analytical & problem-solving skills.

Specific Knowledge

• Deep Understanding of management of a Matrix Sales Organization and be able to apply change through the influence of the organization.

• Well-connected internally and externally within respective segments with thorough understanding of local business attitudes and culture.

• Detailed knowledge of local markets and market drivers, ideally proficient knowledge of major local languages and culture.

• Exceptional organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze financials.

Other Requirements

• Deep Understanding of management of a Matrix Sales organization and be able to apply change through the influence of the organization.

• Well-connected internally and externally within respective segments with thorough understanding of local business attitudes and culture.

• Detailed knowledge of local markets and market drivers, ideally proficient knowledge of major local languages and culture.

• Exceptional organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze financials.

• Must be fluent in business English, high level intercultural acumen and experience.

• High set social and leadership skills.

• Requires approximately 60% - 70% travel.

The annual pay range for this position in the US is $300,000 - $325,000. The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent. This position is also eligible for a performance bonus. 

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical

• Vision

• Dental

• 401k Matching

• Employee Assistance Programs

• Vacation and sick pay 

• The list goes on! 

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).