Key Account Manager - JOEM

Walker Lovell; Taylor (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global automotive leader is seeking a Key Account Manager in Michigan to drive growth for Japanese OEM accounts. This role involves leading the commercial strategy and developing long-term relationships with key clients. Candidates must have proven experience in the automotive sector, particularly with Japanese OEMs, and possess professional-level proficiency in Japanese. If you're an independent relationship-builder ready to take full ownership of accounts in a dynamic environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing Japanese OEM accounts within the automotive sector.
• Strong understanding of automotive materials and adhesives.
• Ability to operate independently while coordinating cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial strategy for assigned Japanese OEM accounts across North America.
• Develop growth plans, meeting annual revenue targets.
• Develop relationships with key customers for long-term success.
• Coordinate with internal teams to align technologies and customer requirements.
• Identify sales potential and maximize account profitability.
• Lead customer programs from initial specification to delivery.
• Support global alignment with international teams.

Skills

Managing Japanese OEM accounts

Understanding automotive materials

Commercial acumen

Independently operating

Professional-level Japanese proficiency

Job description

Key Account Manager

Location: Michigan, USA

Travel: Up to 25% regional travel to OEM customers

Drive Growth with a Global Automotive Leader

Take ownership of key Japanese OEM accounts in a high-impact, high-visibility role - where your expertise will directly shape strategic partnerships and commercial success.

Why This Business

A globally recognized tier-one specialist in bonding, coating, sealing, and damping systems for the automotive industry. With a strong presence across North America, Asia, and Europe, this business is well-established, technically respected, and trusted by major OEMs. Operating with scale, efficiency, and long-term thinking, they combine technical excellence with a customer-first mindset.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead commercial strategy for assigned Japanese OEM accounts across North America.
• Develop and deliver growth plans, meeting annual targets for revenue and operating income.
• Develop relationships with key customers, suppliers, and internal contacts to support long-term success.
• Coordinate with internal teams to align technologies, approvals, and customer requirements.
• Identify and realize sales potential across North American operations, maximizing account profitability and volume.
• Lead key customer programs from initial specification through delivery, ensuring quality and timeline alignment.
• Own long- and short-term sales forecasting for key product lines and customer programs.
• Support global alignment, collaborating with international teams to maintain consistency in customer approach and delivery.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience managing Japanese OEM accounts within the automotive sector.
• Strong understanding of automotive materials, adhesives, processing, or engineered chemical solutions.
• Familiarity with core automotive quality processes, including APQP and PPAP.
• Commercial acumen with a track record of increasing account value.
• Ability to operate independently while coordinating cross-functional stakeholders across commercial and technical functions.
• Professional-level proficiency in Japanese is essential.

Who This Suits

You’re a commercially minded relationship-builder with deep knowledge of the Japanese automotive market. You bring structure, pace, and professionalism - and are ready to lead accounts with confidence. This role suits someone ready to take full ownership of key accounts in a high-impact, autonomous position.

We would love to hear from you if you are keen to find out more. Please contact Natalie at Walker Lovell to apply: [phone] / [e-mail]