Key Account Manager, Automotive

 

Key Account Manager, Automotive 
 

 

We are looking for a Key Account Manager- Automotive for the Detroit Metro Area. In this role you will focus primarily on developing new business and applications where automotive component coatings are beneficial for the customer's product performance. The position is required to manage a portfolio of existing key accounts, as well as develop new accounts. This includes, but is not limited to, relationship development, opportunity management, and contract negotiations. The territory will be US-based and travel within the US and Canada (on occasion), will be required. This position is also responsible for generating sales leads as well as marketing, forecasting, and selling PVD surface solutions to OEMs, end-users, and manufacturers. The Key Account Manager will be required to provide a consultative selling approach by providing top to bottom solutions and consult with customers, their agents, as well as internal engineers, Product Managers, and Territory Account Managers (TAMs) to resolve any technical and commercial needs.

 

Your Responsibilities:

• Perform B2B sales activities from lead generation through closure within automotive
• Promote, sell, and provide expertise regarding PVD coating solutions
• Drive the business and develop opportunities for Oerlikon Balzers high performance coating technologies
• Manage and grow assigned key accounts
• Research sources for developing prospective customers and for information to determine their potential
• Develop & maintain strong customer relationships with decision makers at key accounts
• Create and maintain account plans for existing customers; highlighting profile, market share, competition, and value adding opportunities
• Formulate strategies for building and growing key accounts and maximizing their potential value
• Responsible for total cost calculation (TCC) and offer process
• Evaluating commercial and strategical quotation basis (e.g. target prices, competition, strategic prediction of customer activities) and act accordingly
• Research, gather, analyze, maintain and disseminate information about assigned accounts; develop exceptional knowledge of the customers and competitors, and be well versed in the customer’s problems, initiatives, goals, needs, and issues
• Coordinate sales efforts with sales management, key/direct sales teams, finance, technical services groups, and the senior management team
• Provide regular sales forecasts and appropriate feedback from our key customers
• Support the coating center(s) with resolution of customer related issues in all functions as needed (costs, quality, scheduling, logistics, engineering, etc.)
• Help to develop long-term and short-term business strategy
• Participate in industry events
• Work according to latest automotive audit standards (IATF16949)

Your Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering; equivalent experience may substitute
• 5+ years account management experience with executive level contacts within the automotive industry and a proven track record of success
• Excellent communication skills, organizational skills and the ability to work in a team oriented organization
• A strong business driver with proven ability to become a trusted advisor for our customers
• Experience working in a multinational corporation, including international sales experience is preferred
• Strong commercial negotiation skills
• An experienced sales leader with a proven track record of over-achieving growth targets
• Network establishments of executive level contacts within vertical sales roles
• Proficiency working with MS Office (i.e., Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) is required
• Knowledge regarding PVD solutions and surface treatments preferred
• Primarily domestic & some International (Canada) overnight travel; up to 50%
• Strong connections and solid reputation in the automotive industry
• Must be self-motivated, goal-driven and result-oriented, to be effective in this role

 

We offer:

Aside from a dynamic global culture and leading market position, we are proud to offer our employees development opportunities, competitive salary and a robust benefit program ALL available on first day of employment!

 

The perks and benefits of working at Oerlikon include the following:

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company sponsored HSA contributions and without cumbersome waiting periods to keep you going strong.  
• Excellent Dental and Vision coverage.
• Employee Assistance, Financial and Wellness programs to help improve all aspects of your life journey. 
• 401(k) retirem