Strategic Account Manager-Automotive Software

Nehez Recruiting; Novi (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nehez Recruiting is seeking a Strategic Account Manager – Automotive Software in Novi, Michigan. This hybrid, full-time role focuses on developing and growing relationships with automotive customers, aligning software and technology solutions with customer goals.

Ideal candidates bring 3–5+ years in automotive software sales or technical business development, deep knowledge of embedded software and testing, and a proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across technical and

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive software sales or technical business development.
• Strong technical understanding and interest in embedded software and software testing.
• Understanding of automotive electronics, embedded systems, and software development environments.
• Proven ability to develop and manage sustainable, trust-based relationships with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in developing existing accounts and identifying new business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans targeting automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and other technology-focused customers.
• Expand existing customer relationships while developing new accounts and business opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling and expanding the use of software and technology solutions within existing customers.
• Build relationships with technical, commercial, management, and executive stakeholders.
• Lead or support contract negotiations and work toward successful commercial outcomes.
• Maintain consistent follow-up and communication throughout the sales process.

Skills

Automotive software sales

Embedded software

Stakeholder management

Technical sales

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or STEM fields

Job description

Strategic Account Manager – Automotive Software

Location: Novi, Michigan
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Strategic Account Manager to develop, manage, and grow relationships with automotive customers. This position will focus on expanding existing accounts, developing new business opportunities, and aligning advanced software and technology solutions with customer objectives.

The ideal candidate will have experience in automotive software sales, a strong technical understanding of embedded systems and software testing, and the ability to build long-term relationships with both technical and executive-level customers.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Account Development

• Develop and execute strategic account plans targeting automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and other technology-focused customers.
• Expand existing customer relationships while developing new accounts and business opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling and expanding the use of software and technology solutions within existing customers.
• Build relationships with technical, commercial, management, and executive stakeholders.
• Develop long-term account strategies focused on customer growth and revenue expansion.

Customer Relationship Management

• Identify and assess customer potential through prospecting, cold calling, customer meetings, industry events, and other business development activities.
• Develop a detailed understanding of customer technical processes, applications, and use cases.
• Align customer requirements with appropriate software and technology solutions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary business contact for strategic customers.
• Lead or support contract negotiations and work toward successful commercial outcomes.
• Maintain consistent follow-up and communication throughout the sales process.

Technical & Solution Development

• Develop a strong understanding of automotive embedded software and software testing requirements.
• Evaluate customer applications and technical processes to identify potential solutions.
• Present software and technology solutions in a manner that clearly demonstrates customer and business value.
• Work with technical and product teams to develop customized customer solutions and presentations.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with business units, engineering, product management, and sales teams to deliver customer-focused solutions.
• Coordinate internal resources to support customer opportunities and successful product implementation.
• Help ensure smooth product delivery and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Provide customer and market feedback to influence product and sales strategies.

Market & Industry Development

• Monitor automotive technology trends, customer strategies, competitive offerings, and market developments.
• Conduct market and customer assessments to identify emerging opportunities.
• Develop competitive and industry intelligence to support account strategies.
• Represent the organization at automotive trade shows, conferences, customer events, and industry meetings.
• Present the company's technology and product portfolio to customers and industry audiences.

Qualifications

Experience

• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive software sales or technical business development.
• Strong technical understanding and interest in embedded software and software testing.
• Understanding of automotive electronics, embedded systems, and software development environments.
• Proven ability to develop and manage sustainable, trust-based relationships with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in developing existing accounts and identifying new business opportunities.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to understand complex technical concepts and communicate their business value to customers.
• Strong customer-facing and consultative selling skills.
• Ability to advise customers and confidently manage commercial negotiations.
• Self-motivated with disciplined follow-up and account-management practices.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional and global teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple customer opportunities simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20–40%, as needed.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or another STEM-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

What This Opportunity Offers

• Opportunity to work with advanced automotive software and embedded technology.
• Hybrid work environment based in Novi, Michigan.
• Direct interaction with automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology leaders.
• Opportunity to combine technical knowledge with strategic account