Key Account Manager

CLM Search; Nordrhein-Westfalen; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CLM Search is recruiting a Key Account Manager to strengthen its commercial presence in Germany. The role requires ownership of strategic automotive customers and close collaboration with OEM, Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams throughout the sales cycle.

The candidate will manage revenue, profitability and pricing negotiations, while pursuing new business opportunities. Travel within Germany and Europe is expected as part of the role.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive Key Account Management, Sales or Business Development.
• Experience with OEM, Tier 1 or Tier 2 customer relationships.
• Strong financial understanding including pricing, contracts and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop relationships with automotive OEM, Tier 1 and Tier 2 customers.
• Take commercial ownership of accounts including revenue and profitability.
• Lead pricing, contract and commercial negotiations with customers.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Production, Quality and Finance as needed.
• Identify new business opportunities and drive growth in Germany and Europe.

Skills

Key Account Mgmt

Automotive

OEM/Tier 1 Relations

Pricing & Negotiations

Cross-functional Collaboration

English Proficiency

German Advantage

Travel Availability

Job description

• Our client, a global automotive Tier 1 supplier specialising in vehicle interior comfort, seating-related technologies, safety systems and electronics, is looking to appoint a Key Account Manager to strengthen its commercial presence in Germany.
• This role will take ownership of strategically important automotive customers, managing commercial relationships while also identifying and developing new business opportunities. The successful candidate will work closely with OEM and Tier 1 customers across purchasing, engineering and programme teams, supporting projects from initial commercial discussions through nomination and into series production.

Responsibilities

• Manage and further develop relationships with automotive OEM, Tier 1 and Tier 2 customers.
• Take commercial ownership of assigned accounts, including revenue, profitability and sales targets.
• Build strong relationships across customer purchasing, engineering and programme functions.
• Identify new market opportunities and actively pursue new business.
• Lead pricing, contract and commercial negotiations with customers.
• Support projects from initial customer discussions through nomination and series production.
• Coordinate internally with Engineering, Project Management, Production, Quality and Finance.
• Ensure customer requirements and commercial expectations are effectively communicated across the organisation.
• Manage customer escalations, commercial issues and negotiations professionally and proactively.
• Conduct ongoing market and competitor analysis.
• Support account growth and broader commercial strategy within the German and European markets.
• Work as part of an international sales team and travel to customers and company locations as required.

Skills and Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive Key Account Management, Sales or Business Development.
• Experience working within an automotive Tier 1 or established supplier environment.
• Proven experience managing OEM, Tier 1 or Tier 2 customer relationships.
• Strong commercial understanding, including pricing, negotiations, contracts and account profitability.
• Demonstrable experience identifying and securing new business opportunities.
• Strong customer-facing, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Production, Project Management and Finance.
• Structured, analytical and entrepreneurial approach.
• Comfortable working independently within an international organisation.
• Fluent English is required; German language capability is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to travel as required.