Account Director - Automotive

Job Description

Job Description

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Internal Job Title: Key Partner Executive I (hybrid)

Location: US-GA-Atlanta (Sandy Springs)

FLSA : Exempt

Company Overview:

Safe-Guard Product International serves Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), top retailers, and independent agents in the automotive finance and insurance industry with the leading Protection Products Platform. Our platform delivers innovative protection products and solutions that protect consumers from the perils of ownership, while providing Finance & Insurance professionals the tools to ignite scalable and sustainable business growth. Safe-Guard’s success is driven by over 850 employees, who serve more than 12,000 dealers and support contract holders across the U.S. and Canada.

For 30 years and counting, our team continues to transform the motor vehicle space, earning a stellar reputation from our partners and peers by providing: 1) the highest quality protection products in the industry, 2) a broad platform of branded product, technology, marketing, and training solutions, and 3) an unwavering commitment to uncomplicated care and customer service.

Position Overview

The Key Partner Executive is a senior strategic leader responsible for the vision, direction, and performance of the Key Partner. This role owns the development and execution of enterprise-level strategies that maximize OEM partner relationships, drive sustainable revenue growth, and ensure alignment with enterprise objectives. Acting as the primary executive liaison and trusted advisor to OEM partners and internal leadership, the KPE provides strategic guidance, oversees cross-functional initiatives, and serves as the final authority on all partner-related deliverables.

Accountabilities for this role may include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute the long-term & short-term strategic vision and enterprise-level strategies for Key Partners, driving sustainable revenue growth, product adoption, profitability, and partner retention while ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives, financial targets, and market trends.
• Lead high-level partner negotiations, executive business reviews, and strategic planning sessions with OEM leadership.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to cross-functional teams to ensure flawless execution of partner priorities and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Owner of all Key Partner strategies, projects, initiatives, and deliverables, including cross-departmental presentations, data, and reporting.
• Review and approve all partner-related content, data, and strategic recommendations before executive or external distribution.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and mitigate operational risks across all partner programs.
• Hire, develop and mentor Key Partner Managers and supporting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and performance excellence.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a trusted advisor by building strong relationships across all levels within Safe-Guard and Key Partner organizations, fostering trust and alignment to gain stakeholder buy-in for shared objectives.
• Drive the end-to-end process for quarterly business reviews (QBRs), including developing, reviewing, and presenting materials and data from multiple departments to highlight Key Partner priorities. Ensure strategic alignment, accuracy, and consistency across all deliverables, and present insights and recommendations to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Lead strategic planning for OEM projects & initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and market dynamics.
• Direct development and oversight of executive-level presentations, dashboards, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics, market trends, and partner data to inform strategic decisions and identify growth opportunities.
• Drive innovation in partner engagement, leveraging technology and advanced analytics to enhance performance and profitability.
• Manage partner portfolio to optimize revenue and mitigate financial, operational and compliance risk
• Collaborate with Finance and Data teams to deliver accurate forecasting, revenue modeling, and actionable insights for leadership.
• Influence cross-functional stakeholders to prioritize projects & initiatives that maximize partner success.
• Champion continuous improvement projects & initiatives to optimize processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance partner satisfaction.
• Serve as the final approval authority for all partner-related deliverables, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and strategic alignment.
• Hire, train, mentor and develop Key Partner Managers, building leadership capabilities and succession planning within the team.
• Represent the organization at industry events, forums, and the OEM at executive-level partner meetings to strengthen relationships and brand positioning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Operations Management, Strategy, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in automotive financial services with a focus on strategic partnerships.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams focused on Key Accounts and Partner relationships.
• Deep knowledge of automotive industry systems and processes.
• Proven ability to drive revenue growth and partner success through strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and market development.
• Strong business development skills with entrepreneurial mindset and track record of sales success.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret data, forecast trends, and support strategic decisions.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; adept at influencing stakeholders at all levels, including C-suite.
• Ability to leverage internal and external resources to achieve objectives and deliver innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex projects at an enterprise level, ensuring strategic alignment and providing executive guidance on requirements and deliverables in collaboration with project management teams.
• Flexible schedule with ability to travel as needed (25%+).
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check

Company Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• Paid Community Service Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ongoing Training & Personal Development
• And More!

Safe-Guard Products International is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, disability or protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.