How to apply for Field Sales Representative (m/f/d)

About Clarios

Clarios is the global leader in advanced low-voltage battery technologies, powering nearly one in three vehicles on the road and owning the iconic VARTA® brand. With 18,000 employees across 100+ countries, they partner with major automakers and the aftermarket to deliver reliable, energy-efficient solutions. Working here means joining a company that is literally energizing the future of mobility.

About the role

As a Field Sales Representative for the Automotive Aftermarket in Baden-Württemberg, you will manage and grow sales within your territory, focusing on wholesalers, workshops, and independent aftermarket partners. You'll be the face of VARTA®, strengthening customer relationships and driving sustainable growth. This role is pivotal in expanding Clarios' market presence and ensuring their products and services are successfully positioned.

A typical day

A typical day might involve visiting several workshops and wholesalers in your territory, discussing product performance, and negotiating orders. You could also spend time analyzing sales data, planning your route, and coordinating with internal teams to resolve customer issues. Expect a mix of face-to-face meetings, virtual calls, and independent work from your home office.

Who Clarios is looking for

• Proven field sales experience in the automotive aftermarket or a related industry, with a strong network in Baden-Württemberg.
• Fluent in German and English, with excellent communication and negotiation skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and disciplined to work from a home office while regularly traveling within the region.
• Technical affinity for automotive batteries and a passion for delivering customer-centric solutions.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your existing relationships with wholesalers, workshops, or independent aftermarket players in Baden-Württemberg—specific names or types of partners can set you apart.
• Emphasize your ability to work autonomously from a home office and your willingness to travel extensively within the region.
• Quantify your sales achievements, such as revenue growth, territory expansion, or customer retention rates, to demonstrate impact.
• Mention any experience with VARTA® products or competitor batteries to show industry knowledge.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter in German, as the role is based in Germany and requires local market fluency.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your deep understanding of the Baden-Württemberg automotive aftermarket and existing customer relationships.', "Concrete examples of how you've successfully grown sales or strengthened brand presence in a similar territory.", 'Your ability to collaborate with wholesalers and workshops to position premium products like VARTA®.', 'Your motivation to work for a global leader in battery technology and contribute to sustainable mobility.']

Research before applying

• Learn about Clarios' product portfolio, especially VARTA® batteries, and how they differ from competitors like Bosch or Exide.
• Understand the structure of the German automotive aftermarket, including key distributors and workshop chains in Baden-Württemberg.
• Read recent news about Clarios' sustainability initiatives and innovations in low-voltage battery technology.
• Investigate Clarios' company culture and values to align your answers with their emphasis on reliability, safety, and expertise.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach developing new business with workshops and wholesalers in Baden-Württemberg?
• Describe a time you turned around a declining customer relationship or territory.
• What do you know about Clarios' VARTA® brand and its competitive advantages in the aftermarket?
• How do you prioritize your time when managing a large territory with multiple customer types?
• Can you discuss a situation where you had to adapt your sales pitch to different stakeholders (e.g., technical vs. commercial)?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without demonstrating knowledge of the Baden-Württemberg region or the automotive aftermarket—generic sales experience is not enough.
• Failing to address the home-office and travel requirements, which are central to this role.
• Using an English-only application when the job is based in Germany and requires German fluency; not including German language skills is a major oversight.