Business Development Manager – Automotive OEM & Tier Supplier Solutions

Klüber Lubrication NA LP; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401K Match

Personal Development

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Freudenberg Group seeks a seasoned Business Development Manager to expand automotive OEM and Tier supplier solutions. You will drive growth, build executive‑level relationships, and lead lubrication technology programs across vehicle programs.

The role requires 7+ years in automotive business development or technical sales, a technical degree (MBA preferred), and proven ability to navigate complex manufacturing organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Technical Sales, Business, Chemistry, Tribology, or related field. MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of automotive business development, technical sales, or account management experience.
• Experience selling into automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers.
• Proven success navigating complex manufacturing organizations.
• Experience with industrial lubricants, specialty chemicals, metalworking fluids, process chemicals, assembly materials, automation solutions, or related technologies.
• Preferred experience in automotive assembly processes, manufacturing engineering, lubrication technology, EV/battery manufacturing, robotics and automation, OEM approval processes, IATF 16949 environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute growth strategies to expand business with automotive OEMs and their supplier networks.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, operations, purchasing, quality, maintenance, and sustainability functions.
• Drive lubricant specification, approval, and adoption programs to secure placement on OEM-approved product lists.
• Identify and convert new business opportunities across vehicle assembly, EV, battery, powertrain, and manufacturing programs.
• Partner with OEMs and Tier 1-3 suppliers to implement technical lubrication solutions that improve productivity, reduce downtime, and lower total cost of ownership.
• Lead technical evaluations, product trials, validation activities, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Manage strategic accounts, maintain a robust sales pipeline, forecast revenue opportunities, and conduct executive-level customer reviews.
• Monitor automotive industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to identify new growth opportunities and strengthen market position.
• Visit customer facilities/plants and perform equipment inspections which require the use of personal protective equipment or other onsite required gear

Skills

Automotive industry knowledge

Strategic sales

Relationship management

Technical sales

Executive-level communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/technical field

MBA preferred

Job description

Business Development Manager – Automotive OEM & Tier Supplier Solutions

Working at Freudenberg: "We will wow your world!" This is our promise. As a global technology group, we not only make the world cleaner, healthier and more comfortable, but also offer our 52,000 employees a networked and diverse environment where everyone can thrive individually. Be surprised and experience your own wow moments. Klüber Lubrication is a global leader in specialty lubrication and part of the Freudenberg Group. With subsidiaries in 30+ countries and partners worldwide, our custom solutions support nearly every industry - from automotive to food processing. Join us to drive innovation, sustainability, and lasting impact - Together beyond lubrication.

You support our team as

Business Development Manager – Automotive OEM & Tier Supplier Solutions

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute growth strategies to expand business with automotive OEMs and their supplier networks.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, operations, purchasing, quality, maintenance, and sustainability functions.
• Drive lubricant specification, approval, and adoption programs to secure placement on OEM-approved product lists.
• Identify and convert new business opportunities across vehicle assembly, EV, battery, powertrain, and manufacturing programs.
• Partner with OEMs and Tier 1-3 suppliers to implement technical lubrication solutions that improve productivity, reduce downtime, and lower total cost of ownership.
• Lead technical evaluations, product trials, validation activities, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Manage strategic accounts, maintain a robust sales pipeline, forecast revenue opportunities, and conduct executive-level customer reviews.
• Monitor automotive industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to identify new growth opportunities and strengthen market position.
• Visit customer facilities/plants and perform equipment inspections which require the use of personal protective equipment or other onsite required gear

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Technical Sales, Business, Chemistry, Tribology, or related field. MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of automotive business development, technical sales, or account management experience.
• Experience selling into automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers.
• Proven success navigating complex manufacturing organizations.
• Experience with industrial lubricants, specialty chemicals, metalworking fluids, process chemicals, assembly materials, automation solutions, or related technologies.
• Preferred experience in automotive assembly processes, manufacturing engineering, lubrication technology, EV/battery manufacturing, robotics and automation, OEM approval processes, IATF 16949 environment.

Some of your Benefits

• 401K Match
• Health Insurance Rely on comprehensive services whenever you need it.
• Personal Development We offer a variety of trainings to ensure you can develop in your career.
• Paid Holidays With paid-time off, local holidays are all the way more relaxing.

Diversity & Inclusion

We focus on providing an inclusive environment and recognize our diversity contributes to our success.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.