Key Account Manager (Metro Detroit)

KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER - AUTOMOTIVE

Metro Detroit, MI preferred (Hybrid) | Open to other U.S. automotive OEM hubs (Remote)

COMPANY

The company is a globally recognized manufacturer and leading supplier of premium alloy wheels to the automotive industry. With approximately $1.4 billion in worldwide revenue, the company partners with major global OEMs and is known for innovation, quality, design excellence, and advanced wheel technology. The company’s U.S. HQ is located in Livonia, MI.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As Key Account Manager - Automotive, you will be responsible for strengthening existing OEM relationships while driving new business growth, with a particular focus on American and Asian automotive manufacturers. This is a commercially focused role for an experienced automotive supplier sales professional who understands complex OEM sales processes, long program cycles, strategic pricing, and contract negotiations. You will operate within the company’s global matrix organization and work closely with the U.S. President, German leadership, and manufacturing operations in Mexico.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive new business development with automotive OEMs, with priority targets of American and Asian OEMs.
• Build, maintain, and expand long-term relationships with OEM purchasing, engineering, and other key decision-makers.
• Develop and execute strategic account and growth plans to win new vehicle programs and increase market penetration.
• Manage long, complex OEM sales cycles, typically spanning 2-3 years from initial opportunity through program award and production.
• Lead RFQ/RFP activity, pricing strategy, commercial negotiations, contract discussions, and customer presentations.
• Identify customer needs and translate them into commercially and technically viable opportunities in collaboration with internal teams.
• Coordinate closely with manufacturing operations in Mexico, where U.S.-won OEM programs are generally produced and invoiced.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and internationally with sales, engineering, operations, quality, and leadership teams across the U.S., Mexico, Germany, and the broader global organization.
• Monitor account performance, market trends, competitive activity, and new program opportunities, providing regular updates and forecasts to leadership.
• Represent the company as a trusted commercial partner and primary point of contact for assigned and prospective OEM customers.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• 5+ years of automotive sales, key account management, or business development experience within an automotive supplier/manufacturer environment.
• Proven experience selling directly to automotive OEMs.
• Demonstrated new business development/hunter capability in addition to strategic account management experience.
• Strong understanding of automotive OEM sales processes, RFQs, pricing, contracts, negotiations, and long program cycles.
• Experience developing strategic account plans and winning new business or vehicle programs.
• Existing relationships with American and/or Asian OEMs are highly preferred.
• Wheel industry experience is ideal; candidates from other Tier 1/Tier 2 automotive suppliers are also highly relevant, particularly in chassis, structural, exterior, metal, or related component categories.
• Experience coordinating between OEM customers and manufacturing operations is strongly valued.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills with the ability to operate effectively in a global matrix organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50%.

LOCATION & REPORTING

• Metro Detroit, MI area preferred, with a hybrid work setup (office is in Livonia, MI).
• Candidates located in other major U.S. automotive OEM hubs, including Greenville, SC; Atlanta, GA; and similar markets, may also be considered.
• Reports to the President USA and works closely with leadership in Germany.
• Part of a global matrix organization with Key Account Managers located across multiple countries.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Strong base salary + approximately 20% target bonus, based on specific KPIs.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Opportunity to join an established global automotive manufacturer in a highly visible, growth-focused role with significant international collaboration.