Business Development Manager - Detroit- OEM Automotive

Job Description

Johnson Service Group (JSG) is seeking a motivated Automotive Business Development Manage r - Detroit, MI or La Verne, CA to grow our client's Detroit/Great Lakes territory. In this role, you will secure thermal design-ins with OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers across EV battery, power electronics, ADAS/compute, lighting, and charging systems. You'll manage customer relationships end-to-end from uncovering needs and submitting proposals to guiding projects through validation and into production.
This is a customer-facing role that requires strong technical sales expertise, the ability to manage complex programs, and a hands-on approach to building long-term partnerships. Automotive sales experience in EV, ADAS, or power electronics is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Prospect and qualify new business with OEMs, Tier-1s, and EV ecosystem partners.
• Conduct on-site customer meetings (plants, labs, HQs) to present solutions and define requirements.
• Manage RFIs/RFQs, proposals, and sample/evaluation plans.
• Drive design-ins from concept through launch, including DV/PV, validation, and PPAP.
• Coordinate with global manufacturing teams to manage builds, schedules, and escalations.
• Track POs, shipments, and issues; ensure timely resolutions.
• Maintain CRM with accurate pipeline, forecast, and account status updates.
• Provide first-line technical and commercial support, escalating as needed.
• Monitor competitor activity, customer roadmaps, and industry trends to adjust strategy.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of automotive B2B sales or business development with OEMs and Tier-1s (EV/thermal, power electronics, or ADAS strongly preferred).
• Based in LA with ability to travel 25-40%.
• Strong knowledge of the automotive development cycle (RFQ/RFI, DV/PV, PPAP/APQP, SOP).
• Established relationships with OEM and Tier-1 engineering, program management, and sourcing teams.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (ME/EE/IE) or Business with strong technical aptitude (or equivalent experience).

Preferred:

• Experience with thermal solutions (fans, heat sinks, cooling modules, system-level solutions).
• Familiarity with IATF 16949/ISO 9001 and supplier quality processes.
• Demonstrated success taking programs from first meeting to SOP.
• Pricing and contracting experience (quotes, tooling, NRE, LTAs, cost-down planning).

Salary:
$120,000 + bonus commission
Benefits:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance

Schedule:

• Full-time | Monday-Friday, 8-hour shift
• Travel: 25-40% (Preferred)
• Paid time off
• Prescription drug coverage
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Referral program
• Bonus opportunities and commission pay

Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #D800 #LI-MG5