Global Account Manager

Cohu, Inc.; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor equipment supplier is seeking a Global Account Manager in California to oversee key customer relationships and drive strategic selling objectives. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet customer expectations, managing contract negotiations, and maintaining high customer satisfaction levels. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of relevant industry experience, strong communication and negotiation skills, and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. The position requires both office and travel for customer meetings.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in the semiconductor equipment industry or related business.
• Experience working with customers manufacturing AI-, ML-, or HPC-class semiconductor devices.
• Ability to work in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with assigned customer accounts.
• Lead meetings for technical presentations and schedule management reviews.
• Own customer satisfaction and response to inquiries.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The Global Account Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining key customer accounts, working both independently and in collaboration with an account team. This role has both strategic and tactical responsibilities. The Global Account Manager ensures that Cohu is positioned for long‑term success with assigned customers by aligning internal resources and coordinating operational execution to meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations.

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities

• Maintain overall responsibility for managing Cohu’s business and relationships with assigned customer accounts. Collaborate with global cross‑functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, Sales, Finance, Operations) to communicate customer expectations and ensure Cohu is meeting bookings targets and achieving desired market share.
• Serve as the primary internal and external contact for customer issues. Lead meetings to define and present technical information and drive delivery schedule communications.
• Schedule and coordinate regular product reviews, management reviews, technology roadmap discussions, and other meetings to understand customer requirements, identify growth opportunities, and influence future business.
• Communicate regularly with customers as their primary point of escalation and incident management. Own customer issues, ensure timely resolution, and elevate to senior management when necessary.
• Build and cultivate strong relationships across multiple levels within customer organizations to achieve strategic selling objectives by influencing key stakeholders.
• Maintain visibility into customer operations and plans. Identify and address potential gaps in Cohu’s performance before they grow. Monitor and communicate customer strategy shifts that may impact Cohu’s business.
• Create and deliver technical presentations as needed.
• Prepare and distribute regular reports documenting account activities, key events, status updates, and action items.
• Take ownership of customer satisfaction scorecards; address issues with urgency to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Prepare timely responses to RFQs and RFIs.
• Lead contract negotiations, collaborating with internal stakeholders to define negotiation strategies and achieve optimal results.
• Provide leadership in setting work priorities and schedules across the organization to support customer needs.
• Identify, define, and develop new business opportunities.
• Prepare accurate and timely forecasts.
• Coordinate and host customer meetings and conference calls. Lead or participate in Equipment User Group meetings as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering with emphasis in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in the semiconductor equipment industry or related business, serving in a sales, service, or marketing capacity as a supplier or user of back‑end equipment.
• Experience working with customers manufacturing AI-, ML-, or HPC‑class semiconductor devices—such as Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, Apple, OpenAI (ChatGPT), or similar advanced computing chipmakers.

Skills / Technical Requirements

• Ability to function successfully in a dynamic, high‑pressure environment while remaining calm, confident, and solutions‑focused.
• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to apply situational leadership and collaborate effectively with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to maintain a sense of urgency and motivate cross‑functional teams to achieve objectives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Job Conditions / Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment but includes regular time at customer sites and on factory floors.
• Domestic and international travel is required.

Protective Equipment

• Required in designated areas.