Account Development Manager - Automotive OEMs

Tier 1 / Tier 2 | Electro‑Mechanical Products | Metro Detroit

We are in search of an Sales Account Manager to support and grow OEM and Tier customer relationships. This role is ideal for a strong individual contributor who understands automotive product sales, brings existing customer credibility, and can quickly add value without being overly senior or managerial.

This is a hands‑on, customer‑facing role—not a back‑office commercial position and not a director‑level opportunity. When not travelling, the role is onsite in the office.

The Opportunity:

The Sales Account Manager will own and expand assigned OEM and Tier 1 customer accounts while actively identifying and driving new business opportunities. The role requires strong on‑site customer engagement, technical credibility, and commercial judgement, with close alignment to engineering, operations, and finance.

You will spend meaningful time at customer locations and manufacturing sites, managing both current programs and future business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute product sales strategies through close collaboration with internal teams and effective customer relationship management
• Build and strengthen relationships across multiple levels within OEM and Tier 1 organizations
• Serve as the primary commercial interface for assigned accounts, including negotiation, pricing, and program discussions
• Translate Voice of the Customer (VOC) into engineering changes, technology roadmaps, and new product opportunities
• Drive new business growth through RFQs, quotations, and early program engagement—not just legacy business management
• Apply financial and commercial analysis to evaluate short‑ and long‑term business decisions
• Coordinate CRM activity, forecasts, and program volume assumptions to support accurate planning
• Partner with plant, supply chain, and engineering teams to support launches, pricing updates, and volume changes
• Support negotiations related to pricing adjustments, cost recovery, and market dynamics when required

Must‑Have Qualifications:

• 5–10+ years of automotive industry experience, preferably with Tier 1 or Tier 2 suppliers
• Proven experience selling electro‑mechanical or complex automotive components
• Direct OEM and/or Tier 1 customer engagement experience (Ford, GM, Stellantis preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to grow accounts year‑over‑year and contribute to new business wins
• Experience participating in or leading RFQs, pricing discussions, and commercial negotiations
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or FinanceEngineering degree is preferred but not required if strong technical credibility is demonstrated
• Comfortable operating at customer sites and manufacturing locations
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship

What We’re Looking For (Fit Matters)

• Brings an active or transferable book of automotive relationships
• Strong hunter–farmer balance: able to grow existing business while pursuing new opportunities
• Technically fluent enough to engage with engineers without needing to be the engineer
• Commercially sharp, with comfort discussing pricing, margins, and financial tradeoffs
• Confident, positive, and collaborative communication style
• Individual contributor mindset—this role does not manage people
• Not too junior, but we are specifically avoiding director‑level or pure, "direct report" profiles

Bonus / Preferred Experience:

• Tier 1 or Tier 2 experience in thermal management, motion systems, braking, seating, powertrain‑adjacent, or lighting products
• Experience opening or expanding relationships with OEMs you had not previously worked with
• Exposure to supply chain resiliency, localization, or ethical sourcing initiatives
• MBA or advanced financial training
• Local or near‑local availability within the Metro Detroit area

Location & Travel:

• Based in or near Metro Detroit
• Regular travel to nearby customer sites and manufacturing locations

Compensation:

• Competitive base salary targeted within $125K–$155K range
• Annual bonus
• Monthly Car Allowance
• Comprehensive Benefits package included

Why This Role:

This is an opportunity to step into a visible, impactful sales role where your relationships, technical understanding, and commercial instincts matter. You will not be carrying legacy only—you will be expected to grow the business, influence future programs, and make a tangible impact quickly.