Sales Account Manager – Ford Europe

Enabling a software-defined, electrified future.

Visteon is a technology company that develops and builds innovative digital cockpit and electrification products at the leading edge of the mobility revolution. Founded in 2000, Visteon brings decades of automotive intelligence combined with Silicon Valley speed to apply global insights that help transform the software-defined vehicle of the future for many of the world’s largest OEMs. The company employs 10,000 employees in 18 countries around the globe.

Mission of the Role:

The Sales Account Manager's primary mission is to drive sales growth and customer satisfaction for assigned accounts while contributing to the company's business objectives and strategic direction. The role demands that the successful candidate understand their client's needs, business objectives, and pain points to provide the right solutions and build lasting relationships.

The ideal candidate should be an experienced sales manager with a proven track record of managing global accounts, developing new business opportunities, and driving sales growth in the automotive industry, particularly in the electronics sector. The candidate should possess the ability to think creatively and strategically to support the company's objectives and interests while applying sound business judgment and quantitative analytics.

Key objectives of this Role:

1. Manage and grow existing client accounts, achieve sales targets, and maintain high levels of client satisfaction;
2. Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at client organizations, becoming a trusted advisor and advocate for the company;
3. Understand key customers’ requirements such as cost, functionality, features, and other performance metrics and promote the corresponding Visteon products;
4. Lead customer negotiations to develop win-win solutions for managing claims, annual cost-downs and business proposals.
5. Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the account/s for Displays, IVI, ADAS/Autonomy, Electrification, Driver information/Clusters, and other Visteon product lines and offerings to the customer, resulting in increased revenue and market share;
6. Forecast sales and revenue, track performance, and develop action plans to address gaps;
7. Collaborate with finance and operations teams to develop pricing strategies and manage profitability;
8. Support active program/design engagements to ensure that customer deliverables are being met, actively working with Product Delivery and/or Engineering and Product Marketing teams to make sure gaps are addressed;
9. Utilize standard business tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to develop presentations and reports that communicate complex information clearly and concisely.

Qualification, Experience and Skills:

1. Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field;
2. 3-5 years of experience in sales or account management in the automotive electronics industry or related experience;
3. Proven track record of sales success and client relationship management;
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders;
5. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and strategically;
6. Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
7. Fluent in English and German. Knowledge of Turkish is advantageous;
8. Proficiency in standard business tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Competencies:

1. Degree in business or technology;
2. 5+ years of experience within the automotive industry;
3. Work experience at an Auto Tier 1, 2, or OEM.

Reporting Structure: The account manager will report to the Senior Sales Manager located in Cologne.

Location: Cologne, Germany. Limited Home Office and some travel required.

Visteon Culture: If you thrive in a fast-paced, organizational culture that requires agility, adaptability, and a growth mindset from its employees to thrive and stay ahead of the curve Visteon is the place. We value high performance and a drive for results. Innovation, risk-taking, and continuous learning help us keep up with the ever-changing landscape of our industry and be Market leaders. At Visteon, you can be more.