Founded in Jena in 1846, today ZEISS is a global company with more than 48,000 employees across around 50 countries, driving innovation in research, medical technology, quality assurance and consumer products. As the pioneer of science in optics, we continue to challenge the limits of our imagination.

For our Research Quality Solutions business unit, which delivers end-to-end solutions for industrial metrology in both laboratory and production environments, we are looking for a Software Sales Manager to accelerate the growth of our stand-alone software business across EMEA, starting with Italy. In this role, you will focus strongly on the PIWEB software suite, one of our key solutions for data management and reporting, capable of significantly improving performance and quality across manufacturing processes.

What will you be responsible for?

• Managing the full sales cycle of the PIWEB software solution

• Developing the Italian market, including Italian-speaking Switzerland as the launch region for EMEA expansion

• Identifying new high-potential customers across industrial sectors and beyond

• Leading complex decision-making processes involving stakeholders from Operations, Quality, IT, Digital, and top management

• Applying a value-selling approach, translating software capabilities into tangible customer benefits

• Building and managing a solid pipeline, including multi-plant projects, in close collaboration with internal pre-sales, application, and project management teams, as well as with corporate teams

What does it take to succeed in this role?

• Technical or scientific educational background (technical diploma or university degree)

• At least 8 years of experience in enterprise software sales related to manufacturing, quality, data, and processes (MES, PLM, QMS, CAQ)

• Strong knowledge of industrial IT ecosystems (data, traceability, integrations, digital architectures)

• A consultative approach and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders (COO, CEO, Heads of Operations and Quality, IT Managers)

• Team-oriented mindset, both in project environments and client management

• Excellent active listening, negotiation, and end-to-end customer management skills, even in complex and fast-changing scenarios

• A strong “hunter” mindset combined with a structured and professional approach

• Willingness to take on challenging opportunities and thrive in dynamic, evolving environments

What we offer

• Employment terms: Permanent contract under the Italian Collective Agreement Terziario Confcommercio, annual gross salary range Euro 55.000-60.000 plus a variable component based on target achievement.

• Benefits: Company car, meal vouchers, corporate welfare benefits, LinkedIn Learning license, and a range of wellbeing initiatives, including counseling services, wellbeing-focused sessions and company events designed to foster engagement and a sense of belonging.

Preferred location: Milan area or nearby

Scope: Developing the Italian market and Italian-speaking Switzerland as the starting point for broader EMEA expansion (occasional travel to headquarters and other European countries)

Language requirements: Fluent in English (both written and spoken)

Start date: as soon as the right candidate is identified


Next Steps

Once we receive your CV, we will take the time to carefully review your application. If your profile matches this or another opportunity within the ZEISS Group, we will get in touch with you to take the next step and get to know each other. Otherwise, we will be happy to keep your CV in our database and consider your profile for future opportunities. You can also explore other positions that may be of interest to you in our Careers section https://www.zeiss.com/corporate/int/careers/job-openings-and-applications.html

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team: