Account Manager (Business Development)

NGK Detroit; Novi (MI); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NGK Detroit in Novi, Michigan is looking for an Account Manager to foster relationships in Direct Air Capture and Renewable Natural Gas sectors. The role demands a strong technical background along with business development skills.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Natural Sciences, and 5-10 years of applicable experience, coupled with strong negotiation and customer interaction skills. Travel is required for this position as the role interfaces with international teams.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in Product/Application Engineering role, preferably in Business Development.
• Knowledge of emissions ceramics products; coater and canner experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop relationships in Direct Air Capture and Renewable Natural Gas Upgrading.
• Research and report information on performance of company technologies.
• Promote and implement technical products into customer development programs.

Skills

Knowledge of engineering science and technology

Strong customer interface and negotiation skills

Effective oral and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Self-starter with ability to work in multi-cultural environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Natural Sciences

Business Administration degree

Job description

We are seeking an Account Manager to develop and promote our latest technologies to address industrial issues within the Carbon Neutrality Business.

I. BASIC FUNCTIONS

The Account Manager will maintain and develop new relationships in Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Upgrading. The role requires knowledge of industry stakeholders and support business decisions. The manager will serve as the face of NGK at industry coalitions and lobby groups for DAC and RNG.

Additionally, the Account Manager will support technical discussions with product development teams across the US, Japan, and other global locations, linking the North American experience with worldwide activities, and will adapt to new technologies exploring allied industries as relevant.

II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Research and report information on the performance of company technologies and competing technologies within the customer base.
• Increase the customer portfolio by promoting technologies to new customers.
• Aid in the development and application of products to fulfill customer needs.
• Confers with existing and prospective customers and assess customer needs.
• Promote and implement technical products and services into customer development and production programs.
• Provide product functionality and capability reports, acting as a technical liaison internally and externally.
• Communicate between NGK and customers, acting as liaison for commercial and technical aspects of the business.
• Communicate internally on a regular basis with other global offices, including Europe and Japan.

Lead Responsibilities

• Create budget files twice a year with concurrence of team members.
• Monitor sales and delivery figures related to the budget files.
• Prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage changes with customers.
• Interact with customers on technical and commercial aspects.
• Maintain and grow the customer database by formulating specific business strategies and execution tactics as agreed with team members.
• Resolve quality assurance (QA) issues and diagnose technical problems related to the products and relevant specifications.

Other Responsibilities

• Understand the technical intricacies of the associated products to position, present, and apply based on the customer needs.
• Ensure compliance and support of company policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Monitor market trends and recommend necessary business strategies.
• Monitor competitor performance and recommend product/technology & commercial development strategies as required. Anticipate possible future actions of the competition.
• Support with industry/market information relevant for the product development gate process to support a flawless launch.
• Participate in conferences either exhibiting, presenting, or attending to gather key strategic market insights that drive strategic decisions.

III. QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Natural Sciences. A Business Administration degree is a plus.

Experience

5-10 years of experience in Product/Application Engineering role with some or entire portion in Business Development/Program Management role would be preferred.

Preferred Work Sectors

• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Oil & Gas Industry
• Carbon Capture Industry
• Intermediate Chemicals

Skills / Aptitude

• Knowledge of practical application of engineering science and technology. Emissions ceramics products, coater and canner experience preferred.
• Self-starter with ability to work in multi-cultural environments.
• Strong customer interface and negotiation skills.
• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, computer literate.

Work Environment

Office environment. Overtime may be required to meet deadlines of assigned tasks. Domestic and international travel is required. Frequent conference calls with Japanese and European colleagues.