Ref. 7247

Segment Manager — Safety-critical systems

Our client is an internationally active European high-tech company with a clearly differentiated portfolio in the field of key components for safety-critical systems and infrastructure. As part of a strategic reorientation, the role of Segment Manager is being created – reporting directly to the Managing Director. The remit: to strategically develop a market segment, act as the internal voice of the customer, and translate requirements into products. A pioneering role with genuine scope for creativity in a market that is currently receiving particular attention.

You know the target market inside out: system integrators, prime contractors, programme managers — and the procurement logic behind it. You know at which stage of the product development cycle (design) requirements are defined, and that subsequent changes are rarely possible. You have incorporated market requirements into internal product development (roadmaps). Over the course of several product life cycles, you have developed customer relationships and are confident navigating the ITAR, AQAP and MIL specifications.

How you can benefit from talking to us:

  • Salary comparison, current salary to market salary
  • Understanding your career options
  • Identification of development and promotion potential
  • 65% of candidates will be making a career move within the next 12 to 24 months

Would you like more information? Book a 30-minute video call. Select your preferred date from one of the two calendars.

Calendar 1 Calendar 2

On hand for the customer when requirements arise

  • You are there when the specifications are being drawn up — not just during the tendering process

  • You translate use cases from the customer environment into internal product and roadmap inputs

  • You are the recognised voice of the market to Sales, Product Management and R&D

A strategic role

  • A newly created position reporting directly to the Managing Director

  • You will define the business plan, target customers and product priorities for the segment — and champion these internally

  • Your market insights will be directly incorporated into the roadmap and R&D

  • Maintaining and expanding the network of key players in the target market

A market with substance and momentum

  • An established, profitable company with a long-standing customer base and a European-controlled supply chain

  • Clear commitment from management to further expand the segment — with the budget, mandate and patience required for long cycles

  • A target market with long product life cycles, high customer loyalty — and a willingness to invest that is currently unrivalled

Your Profile

  • Several years’ experience in market management, business development or senior product management within an international B2B high-tech environment

  • A proven track record in building customer relationships involving long product development, design-in and product life cycles

  • Familiar with the requirements of safety-critical markets: procurement logic, MIL specifications, export controls

  • Strong network amongst system integrators, prime contractors and programme managers

  • Relevant experience and a proven track record in the dual-use and security-assessment-relevant market (EAR/KMG)

  • Business fluent in German and English

 

General conditions

  • Location: Germany or Switzerland, with international travel

  • Reports directly to the Managing Director

  • Well-established organisation with short decision-making processes

  • Attractive remuneration package

 

Why you?

  • Entrepreneurial yet methodical, you have a strong understanding of procurement and are a recognised expert in the field within the market

  • Confident in dealing with decision-makers on both the client and corporate sides

  • Patience for long cycles — yet the drive to set the right course early on 

  • You have been working in this market for years but would like to play a more active role.

  • You want to make a difference, particularly in the current international environment.

Applications & Contact

Erik Wirz
Erik Wirz
Managing Partner
wirz phone +41 44 515 02 60 wirz email erik.wirz@w-gruppe.com
Book a meeting
Thomas Schori
Thomas Schori
Partner
wirz phone +41 44 515 02 60 wirz email thomas.schori@w-gruppe.com
Book a meeting
*Recruitment process

In an initial interview, we will give you a detailed insight into the role, the company, the corporate culture and your development opportunities.

After an initial exchange with the partner (headhunter), you will receive further information about the role and our client's expectations. If you are interested, please send us your documents. Wirz & Partners will draw up a longlist, which will be discussed with the client. From this longlist, 4-6 candidates are selected for the shortlist.

Time to feedback: 2-3 weeks

If you make it onto the shortlist, it's on to the next round. In the interview with Wirz & Partners, we get to know you professionally and personally. You will receive further information about the client, the offering, the services, the team and the KPIs. Based on all the interviews and documents, we prepare a complete dossier about you for the client, including an executive summary. These documents form the basis for the structured interview process with the client. We prepare you for the interview.

Duration until the interview with the client: Up to two weeks.

The first meeting with the customer is about getting to know each other as equals and experiencing the gut feeling, the people and the corporate culture. This interview takes place in person at the customer's premises and lasts an average of one hour.

The second interview is about deepening professional expertise and management topics. In this exchange, you get to know the team, the strategy and the operational goals. 

You will then receive a salary proposal and an overview of the entire offer.

Duration until feedback: 1-2 weeks

Dauer bis zum Feedback: 1-2 Wochen

Following the final meeting, a de-briefing takes place with you and the customer.

We support you in the contract negotiations and clarify further details. The contract is drawn up and we accompany the on-boarding at the customer's premises.

Duration until feedback: Up to one week

*We describe the standard process, which may vary depending on the customer.

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