Sr Account Manager (Automotive)

Optima Organizational Solutions; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a leading Automotive Industry Tier 1 supplier, has requested us to search for an experienced Sr Account Manager to lead the commercial relationship with their Customer Ford. Position is based at their headquarters in New Boston MI (near the Detroit Airport).

The Account Manager will serve as the primary commercial liaison between the company and a key automotive OEM customer. This position is responsible for developing the customer relationship, identifying new business

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related field required.
• 5+ years automotive or related industry experience preferred.
• Experience supporting Ford OEM customers is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and customer portals/systems.
• Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing and commercial practices.

Responsibilities

• Respond to RFQs with proposals for new or expanding business opportunities.
• Lead targeted RFQ packages and develop strategies to support company functions.
• Maintain quotes and coordinate internal resources for on-time delivery.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms with customers and affiliates.
• Review Purchase Orders and contracts for pricing, tooling, and Terms & Conditions.
• Be primary point of contact for open issues, resolving concerns and increasing satisfaction.
• Develop presentations that depict the Company professionally and align with department goals.
• Create creative solutions to differentiate the Company from competitors.
• Guide cross-functional teams in developing RFQ proposals for new business.
• Cultivate customer accounts to create additional business opportunities and identify new product requirements.
• Understand customer program intentions and communicate strategic direction.
• Maintain confidential information related to the business strategy.
• Analyze current processes and identify improvements for sales and marketing efficiency.
• Provide input into departmental strategic goals and key performance measures.
• This full-time salary-exempt role reports to the Sales Manager.

Skills

Relationship management

Negotiation

Strategic account management

Communication

Presentation skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client, a leading Automotive Industry Tier 1 supplier, has requested us to search for an experienced Sr Account Manager to lead the commercial relationship with their Customer Ford. Position is based at their headquarters in New Boston MI (near the Detroit Airport).

JOB SUMMARY

The Account Manager will serve as the primary commercial liaison between the company and a key automotive OEM customer. This position is responsible for developing the customer relationship, identifying new business opportunities, coordinating RFQs and quotations, negotiating pricing and commercial terms, and ensuring customer expectations are effectively communicated across the organization.

The Account Manager will work closely with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, finance, and program management teams to support product launches, resolve commercial issues, manage engineering changes, and drive profitable account growth. The ideal candidate will have experience working directly with automotive OEMs and a strong understanding of automotive manufacturing, commercial processes, and customer requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for answering the customer’s request for Quotes with proposals for new or expanding business opportunities.
• Lead the company’s approach to targeted product RFQ packages, develop strategies for supporting company functions.
• Maintain quotes, coordinate internal and external resources for on-time delivery.
• Negotiate product and related sales and marketing issues with customers and affiliates.
• Review customer Purchase Orders and other commercial contracts for accuracy of pricing, tooling, and Terms & Conditions prior to signing off and internal submission.
• Key point of contact for current and prospective customer open issues, resolving concerns, and increasing satisfaction as it relates to their function.
• Develop presentations that clearly and professionally depict Company, which is consistent with department objectives.
• Develops creative solutions to differentiate the Company from the competition.
• Guides cross-functional proposal team in developing Request for Quote proposals for new and expanding business.
• Cultivates customer accounts to create additional business opportunities, increase sales revenue, improve margins, and identify new product requirements.
• Investigates, understands, and communicates customer program intentions and strategic direction. Identifies core programs and competitive landscape.
• Maintain highly confidential information sensitive to Company’s business strategy.
• Analyzes current processes and systems. Identifies and implements activities to improve efficiency and effectiveness of sales and marketing activities.
• Provides key input into the development of departmental strategic goals along with identifying key measurables to support the departmental goals.
• This full-time salary-exempt role is a part of our Corporate Sales team and reports to the Sales Manager.

Required experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of automotive or related industry experience preferred.
• Experience supporting Ford OEM customers, including familiarity with Ford systems and program requirements, is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and customer portals/systems.
• Advanced knowledge of automotive manufacturing, commercial practices, and customer requirements.
• Ability to navigate and resolve complex or challenging situations effectively.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively collaborate and influence others.