Sales Manager

Position Summary ZF LIFETEC is a key supplier to the major North America OEMs across its product lines based on technology, safety, innovation, and system integration capabilities. The Sales Manager is responsible for managing the Seat Belts business account toward profitability, growth, and market share targets. This role requires commercial savvy and business acumen, managing both existing and future business opportunities, supporting technical and program management teams, and ensuring customer satisfaction while achieving company goals. The position is located in Washington, Michigan. Responsibilities Be the first point of contact to the customer Be present at customer sites to build relationships and understand their needs, market opportunities, and threats Identify new business opportunities, obtain RFQs, lead quotation processes, negotiate, and follow up with customers Support and implement long‑term business strategies to achieve the Business Unit short and long‑term goals (sales, profitability, etc.) Develop and implement sales and marketing strategies according to strategic and operative business planning Coordinate, prepare, and execute customer meetings and events Manage commercial activities as a member of new product program teams, coordinating all customer commercial and business requirements such as prototype timing, delivery, and logistics needs Support the Sr. Sales Manager and Sales Director/VP in preparing and implementing sales strategies for sustainable competitive advantage Manage commercial documentation including purchase orders, customs documents, tooling orders, cost breakdowns, cost tracking/history, and change management Negotiate with customers on raw material, inflation, tariffs, and FX recoveries pre‑ and post‑SOP Monitor and address customer issues on cost, quality, delivery, resilience, and warranty Collaborate within a global sales team and contribute to global team efforts Manage accounts receivable in a timely manner Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business administration (MBA highly desirable) 7+ years of progressive sales experience in the automotive industry Demonstrated experience dealing directly with major global OEMs, preferably Detroit‑3 OEMs and interior/ restraint products Proven ability to build customer relationships and develop sales Large experience in commercial negotiations and business acquisition Track record of profitable growth, preferably in similar product areas Capacity to work cross‑functionally in a global organization, managing multiple projects and competing priorities Creative problem‑solving skills Willingness to travel as business needs require Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal Strategic and analytical skills to develop efficient orientation toward customers Experience in discrete customer account management and interdisciplinary project management Self‑motivated, flexible, and able to work under pressure Proven negotiation skills and talent openness Structured and process‑oriented working method Good financial acumen Fluency in English Diversity & Inclusion At ZF LIFETEC, we are committed to building a culture where inclusiveness thrives and diversity is valued. Guided by this vision, we innovate and create life‑saving technology that makes a real impact on automotive safety. Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. Employment decisions are based upon job‑related reasons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran #J-18808-Ljbffr