SOFTWARE SALES MANAGER Research Quality Solutions (Italy & and Italian-speaking Switzerland)

In breve

The role is a Software Sales Manager for ZEISS's Research Quality Solutions unit, a global optics and technology company that provides end‑to‑end industrial metrology solutions. The position focuses on expanding the PIWEB software suite, a data‑management and reporting platform, across Italy and Italian‑speaking Switzerland, forming the first step of a wider EMEA rollout. Day‑to‑day you will own the complete sales cycle for PIWEB, from prospecting to closing. You will grow the Italian market, identify high‑potential customers in manufacturing and related sectors, and lead complex decision‑making processes that involve operations, quality, IT, digital and senior management stakeholders. The job requires building a robust pipeline of multi‑plant projects, working closely with internal pre‑sales, application, project‑management and corporate teams, and applying a value‑selling methodology that translates technical features into clear business benefits. To succeed you need a technical or scientific background, either a technical diploma or a university degree, and at least eight years of experience selling enterprise software linked to manufacturing, quality, data or process domains such as MES, PLM, QMS or CAQ. A deep understanding of industrial IT ecosystems, including data traceability, integrations and digital architectures, is essential. You must be fluent in English, possess strong consultative and interpersonal skills to engage C‑level and functional leaders, and demonstrate a "hunter" mindset combined with structured, professional sales discipline. Excellent listening, negotiation and end‑to‑end customer‑management abilities are required, as is a team‑oriented approach for both project work and client interaction. The position is based in the Milan area, with occasional travel to ZEISS headquarters and other European sites. The role offers a permanent contract under the Italian Collective Agreement Terziario Confcommercio, a gross salary of €55,000‑€60,000 plus performance‑based variable pay, a company car, meal vouchers, corporate welfare, a LinkedIn Learning licence and wellbeing programmes. The start date is immediate once the right candidate is identified, and the role serves as a springboard for broader EMEA expansion. What the role asks for: - Technical or scientific diploma or university degree - Minimum 8 years enterprise software sales experience - Fluent English, written and spoken - Strong knowledge of industrial IT ecosystems - Proven consultative selling and stakeholder engagement - Demonstrated "hunter" mindset with structured approach - Excellent negotiation and end‑to‑end customer management - Ability to work in team‑oriented project environments