Key Account Manager Automotive

Piston Interiors; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Piston Interiors in Pontiac, MI is seeking an Account Manager to strengthen relationships with key customers and secure new business opportunities. You will manage pricing, contracts, and change activities while aligning internal teams to meet customer and company goals.

The role requires 5–8+ years in automotive sales or account management, OEM experience, and strong Excel/data-analysis skills. Collaboration with PM, Engineering, and Operations is essential to deliver profitable programs.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in automotive sales or account management.
• Experience with OEM customers (GM, Ford, Honda, etc.).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key customer stakeholders to drive satisfaction and growth.
• Lead commercial activities: quoting, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Manage change requests with PM, Engineering, and Operations for timely execution.
• Oversee cost tracking and ensure accurate documentation and alignment.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities to protect profitability.
• Support stage-gate processes with timely commercial deliverables.
• Coordinate and deliver customer presentations and technical reviews.
• Analyze sales performance, pipeline and growth initiatives.
• Assist in annual sales forecasting and strategic planning.
• Lead VA/VE initiatives and cost-reduction programs.
• Conduct market and competitive analysis.

Skills

Account management

OEM relationships

Pricing & contracts

Excel & data analysis

Program management collaboration

Market analysis

Tools

Cost tracking tools

Customer portals

Job description

The ideal candidate is responsible for strengthening the company’s position with key customers while identifying and securing new business opportunities that drive profitable growth. This role leads customer account management activities, supports business development initiatives, and ensures the financial health of assigned programs. The Account Manager serves as a primary commercial interface with customers, managing pricing, contracts, and changing activities while aligning internal teams to meet customer and organizational objectives

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customer stakeholders to drive customer satisfaction, resolve issues, and support long-term business growth.
• Lead all commercial activities for assigned accounts, including quoting, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Manage customer change requests in collaboration with Program Management, Engineering, and Operations teams, ensuring timely execution and customer approval.
• Oversee and maintain cost tracking tools (cost walks/trackers), ensuring accurate documentation, purchase order receipt, and financial alignment.
• Proactively identify, track, and elevate commercial risks and opportunities (e.g., expedites, premium freight, overtime, cost recovery) to protect program profitability.
• Support internal stage‑gate processes by ensuring all commercial deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Participate in and support customer‑driven processes such as APQP and IATF requirements.
• Coordinate and deliver customer presentations, including technical reviews, in support of new business acquisition.
• Analyze and report on sales performance, pipeline opportunities, and growth initiatives, including volume forecasting and market expansion strategies.
• Contribute to annual sales forecasting and strategic planning activities.
• Lead and support Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives and cost‑reduction programs aligned with customer and internal objectives.
• Conduct market and competitive analysis to identify trends, customer needs, pricing strategies, and potential risks.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience in automotive sales or account management, preferably with interior systems/products.
• Direct experience managing OEM customer relationships (e.g., GM, Ford, Honda, or other major automotive OEMs).
• Strong understanding of OEM–supplier relationships, program timelines, and sourcing processes
• Strong knowledge of customer portals and systems (e.g., Ford, Honda, GM platforms).
• Demonstrated understanding of automotive product development processes and industry standards (APQP, IATF).
• Proven ability to manage multiple programs and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.