Account Manager

Philips Recruiting Services / Philips Automotive Recruiting; Saint Clair Shores (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Philips Recruiting Services / Philips Automotive Recruiting seeks an experienced Key Account Manager to own commercial aspects for Ford-related accounts in Michigan. You will manage relationships, develop quotes, and lead internal teams to deliver on commitments.

Applicants should have 5+ years in account management within automotive contexts, strong negotiation and communication skills, and a track record of growing long-term partnerships with key customers.

Qualifications

• Five+ years in account management, sales, or commercial management, preferably in automotive.
• Experience working directly with Ford Motor Company and understanding its customer expectations and processes.
• Proven ability to develop quotes, manage cross-functional teams, and drive profitable business.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and grow strong business relationships across customer organizations.
• Build relationships with customer purchasing and engineering to ensure product meeting requirements.
• Understand customer markets and strategic direction to identify growth opportunities and partnerships.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to address customer needs and deliver on commitments.
• Lead preparation and submission of quotes for RFIs, RFQs, ECRs, and other requests.
• Review and present quotation packages to stakeholders and customers.
• Monitor program profitability and cash flow.
• Approve customer POs and manage related cash collection.
• Represent the customer interests as the primary commercial liaison.
• Drive business development and identify opportunities to secure new and existing accounts.

Skills

Account management

Sales

Customer relationship management

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Program management

Financial acumen

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Key Account Manager serves as the primary point of contact for all commercial aspects of assigned customer accounts. This role is responsible for managing customer relationships, developing quotes for new and existing business, leading internal sales activities, and coordinating cross-functional teams to establish and maintain strategic customer partnerships. The successful candidate must have proven experience working with Ford Motor Company and a strong understanding of automotive customer requirements, commercial processes, and program management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and grow strong business relationships across customer organizations.
• Build and maintain relationships with customer purchasing and engineering departments to ensure The Company's products meet customer requirements and are incorporated into product designs.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of customer markets, business challenges, needs, and strategic direction to identify growth opportunities and strengthen long-term partnerships.
• Facilitate collaboration and communication between The Company and customer cross-functional teams.
• Lead the preparation and submission of quotes for Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), and other customer requests for new and existing business.
• Develop, review, and present quotation packages and supporting documentation to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Review and challenge business cases to validate assumptions, ensure accurate cost inputs, and identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Monitor and manage program profitability, commercial performance, and cash flow.
• Review and approve customer purchase orders (POs) to ensure accuracy and alignment with agreed commercial terms.
• Manage cash collection activities related to tooling, commercial claims, and other overdue accounts receivable.
• Represent the customer's interests within The Company while serving as the primary commercial representative of The Company to the customer.
• Build, lead, and coordinate internal cross-functional teams to address customer needs, resolve issues, and deliver on business commitments.
• Manage customer expectations and proactively address commercial concerns, risks, and opportunities.
• Support business development initiatives and identify opportunities to secure new business and expand existing accounts.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in account management, sales, or commercial management, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Required: Demonstrated experience working directly with Ford Motor Company, with an understanding of its customer expectations, commercial processes, and business requirements.
• Proven experience managing customer accounts, developing commercial quotations, and supporting new and existing business opportunities.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and coordinating customer-related activities across engineering, purchasing, finance, and operations.

Skills and Competencies

• High energy, self-motivation, and a strong commitment to achieving business results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the full sales and commercial process efficiently.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining long-term, profitable customer relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate business cases, manage program profitability, and identify cost-improvement opportunities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage competing priorities, and meet customer commitments.
• Proficiency in standard business software and communication technologies.
• Experience in application engineering is desirable but not required.