Senior Business Development Manager (Automotive)

Dare Auto, Inc.; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Sales incentive/bonus plan

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) retirement plan

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Dare Auto, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth and strengthen relationships with automotive OEM and Tier-1 customers across North America.

The role requires strategic thinking, exceptional communication, and a proven ability to develop long-term customer partnerships. Ideal candidates will have 10+ years in automotive business development, extensive OEM/Tier-1 experience, and a track record of growing accounts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience within the automotive industry.
• Experience working with Automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
• Demonstrated success generating new business opportunities and growing customer accounts.
• Understanding of automotive product development and manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to achieve sales and revenue targets.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities with automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and strategic partners.
• Manage customer relationships throughout the entire sales cycle and negotiations.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to develop customer solutions.
• Lead RFQ and quotation activities; support contract reviews and commercial discussions.
• Maintain CRM records and sales forecasts; represent the company at meetings and events.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Presentation

Executive relationship building

Strategic thinking

Multi-tasking

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Education

Business Administration

Engineering

Supply Chain

Marketing

Related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Plymouth, Michigan (On-site)

Department: Sales & Business Development

Reports To: President / General Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Dare Auto, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth and strengthen relationships with automotive OEM and Tier-1 customers throughout North America.

The ideal candidate will have extensive automotive industry experience, a proven track record of business development success, and strong communication and relationship-building skills. This role requires a strategic thinker who can identify opportunities, develop customer relationships, and support long-term business growth initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to achieve sales and revenue targets.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities with automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and strategic partners.
• Manage customer relationships throughout the entire sales cycle.
• Conduct customer visits, presentations, and commercial negotiations.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to develop customer solutions.
• Lead RFQ and quotation activities.
• Support contract review and commercial discussions.
• Monitor market trends, customer developments, and competitive activities.
• Develop account growth strategies for existing customers.
• Maintain CRM records and sales forecasts.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, industry events, and trade shows.
• Provide regular sales pipeline and business development reports to management.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Business Administration
• Engineering
• Supply Chain
• Marketing
• Related field

Experience

• Sales
• Business Development
• Account Management
• Program Management with significant customer-facing responsibilities

Minimum 10 years of experience within the automotive industry.

Experience working with Automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.

Demonstrated success generating new business opportunities and growing customer accounts.

Understanding of automotive product development and manufacturing processes.

Skills

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to build relationships with executive-level customer contacts.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and reporting skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting EV, mobility, electronics, or automotive component suppliers.
• Existing network within North American automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
• Bilingual English and Mandarin Chinese.
• Experience working with global automotive organizations.

Travel

• Approximately 30–50% travel throughout North America.
• Occasional international travel may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to travel by automobile and air transportation as required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary
• Sales incentive/bonus plan
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Career development opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dare Auto, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law.

ADA Accommodation Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Employment with Dare Auto, Inc. is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.