Key Account Manager – Automotive

About the Company

We are a rapidly expanding global firm specializing in automotive technology, focusing on designing and producing cutting-edge automotive components and systems. Our robust engineering expertise and manufacturing presence span Asia, Europe, and North America, catering to top-tier global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

Position Summary

The Key Account Manager will lead strategic customer engagements, cultivate new business prospects, and drive consistent revenue growth across designated OEM and Tier 1 accounts in Germany and Europe. This role involves partnership with engineering, program management, quality assurance, supply chain, and production teams to ensure exceptional customer satisfaction throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 clients across Germany and Europe.
• Discover and pursue new business avenues, steering customer acquisition initiatives.
• Formulate and implement account strategies aimed at achieving sales expansion and profitability goals.
• Oversee RFQ processes, commercial negotiations, pricing, quotations, and contractual agreements.
• Lead commercial negotiations during project acquisition phases and assist in program launches.
• Serve as the main commercial liaison connecting customers with internal multi-disciplinary teams.
• Track customer demand, production forecasts, and market trends to inform strategic planning.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by timely addressing queries and resolving commercial challenges.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, engineering, purchasing, quality, logistics, and manufacturing functions to meet customer requirements.
• Prepare detailed sales forecasts, pipeline analyses, and management reports.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, trade fairs, and industry gatherings.
• Undertake frequent travel across Germany and Europe to meet clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of five years experience in sales or key account management within the automotive sector.
• Demonstrated success working with German OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive product development methodologies including APQP, PPAP, SOP, and engineering change management.
• Proven skills in handling RFQs and commercial negotiation processes.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Excellent business insight focused on customer needs.
• Capacity to work autonomously in an international, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Europe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established connections with major German OEMs such as Volkswagen Group, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi.
• Experience collaborating with international automotive suppliers.
• Technical expertise in automotive electronics, interior systems, lighting, ADAS, powertrain, chassis, thermal management, or related automotive products.
• Background working within diverse, multicultural global organizations.