Junior Key Account Manager – Forging (m/f/d)
Location: Homburg, Saarland, Germany
Industry: Automotive / Automotive Components / Forging
Employment Type: Full-time
About the Role
HITO Solutions is currently recruiting a Junior Key Account Manager (m/f/d) on behalf of an established international automotive components manufacturer, based in Homburg, Germany.
Our client specialises in the production of safety-critical components for the automotive industry, with a particular focus on forged components, operating within an international manufacturing environment and serving customers across global markets, particularly in Europe.
Reporting directly to the Sales & Marketing Director based in Portugal, you will join the commercial team and play a key role in managing customer relationships, developing new business opportunities, and coordinating technical and commercial activities throughout the project lifecycle.
The ideal candidate will combine a commercial mindset with some knowledge or previous exposure to forging processes and the automotive manufacturing industry. Previous experience in forging is an advantage, although candidates with limited experience in this specific area will also be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and develop relationships with key accounts within the automotive and metalworking industries.
- Identify and actively pursue new business opportunities and potential customers, particularly within the forging and automotive components sectors.
- Prepare cost calculations, quotations, and commercial proposals for forged components.
- Coordinate and follow up on technical and commercial project activities following order award.
- Maintain regular and proactive communication with customers, acting as the main point of contact between the customer and the company.
- Develop an understanding of customer requirements, technical specifications, and manufacturing processes related to forging.
- Work closely with internal Production, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure effective customer support and project follow-up.
- Monitor customer satisfaction, identify potential business development opportunities, and support long‑term commercial relationships.
- Travel within Germany and internationally as required.
Requirements
- University degree in Business, Sales, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent qualifications.
- Fluency in German and English; Portuguese language skills are an advantage.
- Previous experience in Key Account Management, Sales, Business Development, or a customer-facing commercial role is preferred.
- Some knowledge or previous exposure to forging, metal forming, metalworking, or automotive components is highly desirable. Experience in forging does not need to be extensive.
- Previous experience in the automotive industry or industrial manufacturing environment is an advantage.
- Basic understanding of technical products and manufacturing processes.
- Good knowledge of IT systems and standard business software.
- Proactive and solution-oriented approach to challenges.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and argumentation skills.
- Ability to understand technical and commercial requirements and translate them into customer-oriented solutions.
- Ability to work independently, with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment.
- Flexibility and willingness to maintain regular contact with customers.
- Willingness to travel within Germany and internationally.
What Our Client Offers
- Competitive remuneration package, aligned with the role and candidate's experience.
- Company car, including private use after the probationary period.
- A varied and challenging role within an international automotive manufacturing environment.
- Comprehensive onboarding and integration programme.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
- The opportunity to develop commercial expertise within the specialised forging and automotive components industry.
Interested?
If you are looking to develop your career in international account management and have an interest or background in the forging and automotive manufacturing industry, we would be pleased to hear from you.