Account Manager - Ford

ZF; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ZF Lifetec in the United States (WA/MI) seeks an Account Manager to support Ford in the Americas, blending technical product knowledge with strategic account management. This role involves coordinating a cross-functional team, managing RFQ requirements, and driving commercial initiatives.

You will lead the quote process, align internal stakeholders, and monitor project performance while traveling as needed. A strong MS Office skill set and 6–8 years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Business, Engineering, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Check and specify RFQ requirements/project goals for Ford customers.
• Involve, coordinate, and drive internal stakeholders.
• Define actions within framework of specified standards and guidelines.
• Drive and present all aspects of GDPEP 1-2 (approval to quote, quote release approval).
• Preparing offer and/or be co-partner in offer process.
• Clarify any discrepancies and work out resolutions together with KAM/BAM team.
• Bring in commercial view, targets, and tasks.
• Monitor success and report on the status of the project and account.

Skills

MS Office

Data analysis

Strategic account management

Communication

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

CRM systems

Job description

Account Manager - Ford

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT EVERY DAY?

Your journey to a meaningful career starts with ZF LIFETEC

United States , Washington

Sales & Market

Professionals | Experienced

Full Time

This is a role which requires commercial savvy and business acumen. The Account Manager I is responsible for both the support of existing business, as well as the development of future business potential. Position is responsible to support Ford in the Americas region. There is tough competition in our business sector and rigorous financial pressures, so the position requires financial aptitude and a comfort level working with highly technical products. The position is in Washington, Michigan.

Your Tasks

• Check and specify RFQ requirements/project goals for Ford customers,
• Involve, coordinate, and drive internal stakeholders,
• Challenge internal stakeholder towards technical, economic, and quality requirements, create best technical and economic conditions,
• Define actions within framework of specified standards and guidelines,
• Drive and present all aspects of GDPEP 1-2 (approval to quote, quote release approval),
• Preparing offer and/or be co-partner in offer process,
• Clarify any discrepancies and work out resolutions together with KAM/BAM team.
• Bring in commercial view, targets, and tasks,
• Drive change management, check and evaluate costs and present, if necessary, in CQA meetings,
• Track compliance with the goals (quality, costs, and deadlines), if necessary. Suggest and initiate corrective measures, pro-active coordination,
• Monitor success and report on the status of the project and account.
• Face of company/voice of customer, lead communication of customer feedback internally to drive organization and vice versa as face of company to the customer.
• Track product Cost Variance (CV) and related POs in association with KAM/ BAM Team. Process POs in the ZF system,
• Maintain order tracker with PO status, approve, track, and ensure goods receipt closure for order shipments,
• Work as liaison between customers and KAM/BAM Team, Engineering and Program Management to communicate issues with on-time deliveries, prototype purchase orders and other discrepancies,
• Record, track and determine quarterly raw material inflation, support KAM/BAM Team with Claim Recovery,
• Work with Finance and Accounts Receivable (A/R) departments to resolve invoice and payment issues.

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Business, Engineering, or related discipline with project management experience.
• Requires 6-8 years of progressive experience in business / project management with at least 3 years direct sales experience.
• Experience in working in a global, cross-functional organizational structure. Proactive cooperation to work with a wide variety of functions/individuals within and across the organization at all levels; internally and externally.
• Ability to juggle competing demands and adapt to different situations. Must be able to perform under stressful conditions and meet immediate or short-lead time deadlines.
• Thinks strategically and considers the long-term view.
• Be able to work in a high dynamic organization and to work under pressure. Team player as part of a global sales team.
• Strong in MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint/Word) with high level of coding in Excel for data set analysis.
• Solid leadership, analytical, project management, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Winning mentality and persuasion skills as well as a high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Energetic, responsive team player who is keen to take initiatives.
• Proactive, organized, and accuracy with attention to detail.
• Professional communications skills both verbally and in writing with mandatory fluency in English required.
• Domestic/International travel required on an as needed basis. Frequent travel required to support customer.

Contact

Barbara Campa Fernandez

[e-mail]

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical a