German American Chambers of Commerce

Manage and optimize logistics and supply chain operations focusing on supplier performance, cost optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. | Extensive experience in logistics, supply chain, and supplier management with strong data-driven and process improvement skills. | Sales Manager U.S. Operations Location: Charlotte, NC About the Company The U.S. sales office represents a German family-owned company, founded in 1916, specializing in high-precision, customer-specific power transmission solutions. Components are manufactured in Germany and supplied globally to industries such as medical technology, robotics, aerospace, marine, packaging, and industrial machinery. As part of a strategic U.S. market expansion, the company is seeking an entrepreneurial Sales Manager to establish and grow its U.S. sales presence. Position Overview The Sales Manager will lead and develop the U.S. Sales Office, drive business development, and serve as the primary interface between U.S. customers and the German headquarters. This role combines strategic market development with hands-on technical sales execution. Key Responsibilities • Establish and manage daily operations of the U.S. Sales Office (supported by an Operations & Office Coordinator) • Develop and implement a U.S. sales strategy aligned with company objectives • Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities • Provide technical consultation and solution-oriented support to customers • Act as the primary liaison between U.S. customers and German engineering/production teams • Build and maintain long-term relationships with key accounts • Represent the company at trade shows and industry events • Manage sales pipeline, forecasting, and CRM reporting Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field • 37 years of experience in technical sales (machinery, mechanical components, industrial equipment preferred) • Strong technical aptitude and ability to communicate complex solutions clearly • Demonstrated experience in business development and account growth • Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset • Excellent communication and negotiation skills • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ERP/CRM experience preferred Preferred Qualifications • Experience working with international or German manufacturers • Knowledge of power transmission systems • Experience in aerospace, robotics, medical, or packaging industries What the Company Offers • Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentive structure • Health insurance benefits • Paid time off (PTO) • High level of autonomy and influence in shaping U.S. operations • Long-term growth opportunity within a stable, family-owned company • International collaboration with engineering teams in Germany Equal Opportunity Employer The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment is at-will. Join us and become the face of German engineering excellence in the U.S.! TO ALL APPLICANTS Thank you very much for your interest. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to answer each applicant individually. If we find that your skills meet our specific business needs, we will contact you. Thank you for your understanding.

Manage and optimize logistics and supplier performance to improve operational efficiency and cost savings. | Experienced logistics and supply chain professional with strong data-driven and cross-functional leadership skills in manufacturing and biotechnology sectors. | Sales Manager – U.S. Operations Location: Charlotte, NC About the Company The U.S. sales office represents a German family-owned company, founded in 1916, specializing in high-precision, customer-specific power transmission solutions. Components are manufactured in Germany and supplied globally to industries such as medical technology, robotics, aerospace, marine, packaging, and industrial machinery. As part of a strategic U.S. market expansion, the company is seeking an entrepreneurial Sales Manager to establish and grow its U.S. sales presence. Position Overview The Sales Manager will lead and develop the U.S. Sales Office, drive business development, and serve as the primary interface between U.S. customers and the German headquarters. This role combines strategic market development with hands-on technical sales execution. Key Responsibilities Establish and manage daily operations of the U.S. Sales Office (supported by an Operations & Office Coordinator) Develop and implement a U.S. sales strategy aligned with company objectives Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities Provide technical consultation and solution-oriented support to customers Act as the primary liaison between U.S. customers and German engineering/production teams Build and maintain long-term relationships with key accounts Represent the company at trade shows and industry events Manage sales pipeline, forecasting, and CRM reporting Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field 3–7 years of experience in technical sales (machinery, mechanical components, industrial equipment preferred) Strong technical aptitude and ability to communicate complex solutions clearly Demonstrated experience in business development and account growth Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset Excellent communication and negotiation skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ERP/CRM experience preferred Preferred Qualifications Experience working with international or German manufacturers Knowledge of power transmission systems Experience in aerospace, robotics, medical, or packaging industries What the Company Offers Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentive structure Health insurance benefits Paid time off (PTO) High level of autonomy and influence in shaping U.S. operations Long-term growth opportunity within a stable, family-owned company International collaboration with engineering teams in Germany Equal Opportunity Employer The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment is at-will. Join us and become the face of German engineering excellence in the U.S.! TO ALL APPLICANTS Thank you very much for your interest. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to answer each applicant individually. If we find that your skills meet our specific business needs, we will contact you. Thank you for your understanding.

Assist in organizing and supporting the Chicago holiday market, including event coordination, marketing, and on-site support. | Recent graduate with strong communication, organizational skills, and interest in event planning; German language skills and experience with Canva, Adobe, or website maintenance are advantageous. | Note to applicants: The Christkindlmarket interns will need to work out of the GACC Midwest office in downtown Chicago. As such, applicants must either currently reside in the Chicago area or be available for relocation before the start date of the internship. Compensation: $2900/month Start Dates: We are looking for interns who can start in May or early June 2026 Duration: 9-12 months, full-time Who we are: The mission of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (GACC Midwest) is to promote and assist in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the United States. All internships offer the opportunity to gain work experience in a truly bilingual and bicultural environment, with support from colleagues that can help speed the learning curve of understanding intercultural differences and nuances. The Christkindlmarket Chicago is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events & intercultural activities. It brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket was first conceptualized in 1995. Responsibilities: Support all aspects of organizing one of the world’s largest holiday markets outside of Germany on-site and virtually Event marketing activities such as influencer marketing, filming and editing of videos, social media assistance, graphic design Assist with activities related to event planning and coordination, mainly conceptualization and execution of special events, sponsor activations, influencer tours and performing important administrative tasks On-site market support during the months of November and December, including interacting with visitors, assisting with the support of vendor and sponsor needs, and helping to prepare the venue for special events, like tastings and parades Interact with visitors and customers in person and virtually Requirements: Recent graduate, ideally with first work experience High-level proficiency in the English language, German language skills are of advantage Knowledge of Canva and Adobe Illustrator/InDesign are of advantage Good knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Power Point) Newsletter writing and basic website maintenance knowledge of advantage Strong research, communication, and organizational skills (verbal and written) Strong interest in full-cycle event planning and behind the scenes logistics Customer service skills Why join German American Events LLC (GAE)? Our organization strives to provide our interns with an environment that allows them to succeed in every aspect of their role. Our interns have the opportunity to gain the ability to put new things into practice and network and meet key members in our extensive membership base while learning more about German-American business efforts happening day in and day out. With a beautiful, state-of-the-art office space in the heart of the city overlooking Millennium Park, interns are able to easily navigate throughout Downtown Chicago and experience the rich culture the city has to offer – such as complimentary German lessons offered by the Goethe Institute specifically for our employees. Within our office building, all GAE team members have access to the fitness center with free classes being offered regularly as well as general community events as planned by the building staff.

Lead and build the US subsidiary from scratch, manage full P&L, develop sales strategies, build distribution and OEM partnerships, and establish operational systems. | Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, proven industrial sector sales success, P&L ownership, strong leadership, and familiarity with industrial sectors like water/wastewater and energy. | Position: Managing Director – Business Development & Operations (Fluid Handling / Industrial Pumps) Location: Flexible work location, ideally situated in the Midwest near a major airport. Company Overview: Our client is a global leader in industrial pump systems, recognized for innovative fluid handling technologies and reliable engineering solutions. Their products support critical operations in water and wastewater treatment, cooling systems, industrial cleaning, energy production, and liquefied gas applications. The company has recently established a dedicated US subsidiary to strengthen its presence, serve clients directly, and accelerate future growth. Position Summary: The company is seeking a Managing Director to establish and expand its US market presence. This role offers the opportunity to build a subsidiary from the ground up, establish operational structures, and drive strategic growth across multiple industries. It combines hands-on sales, full P&L responsibility, and the future development of a US-based team. Key Responsibilities: • Establish and lead the US subsidiary as the initial sole employee, setting up operational processes, company culture, and organizational structure • Assume full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability management • Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to drive growth across target industrial sectors • Conduct hands-on sales activities, including prospecting, proposal development, client meetings, and deal closure • Build and nurture a distribution network, leveraging existing relationships and cultivating new channel partners • Establish and manage OEM partnerships to expand product offerings and market reach • Conduct market research to identify opportunities in water/wastewater, process engineering, and the pump industry • Collaborate closely with international headquarters and US distribution partners to align strategies • Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and client meetings to enhance brand visibility and business growth • Implement operational systems for finance, CRM, reporting, and KPIs to monitor growth and efficiency • Design scalable processes and structures to support future team expansion • Take on administrative and operational responsibilities to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of the US subsidiary Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent professional experience with a strong technical sales record) • Proven success in sales or technical sales within the industrial sector, ideally in pump systems or related technologies • Demonstrated ability to take full P&L ownership and drive strategic growth initiatives • Established network and familiarity with key industrial sectors such as water/wastewater treatment, cooling systems, industrial cleaning, energy production, and liquefied gas applications • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build lasting relationships with distributors, OEM partners, and clients • Flexibility and willingness to travel for client meetings, trade shows, and collaboration with international headquarters