Director, Automotive Market Development

Director, Automotive Market Development We have a great opportunity for you to join ACS as our Director, Automotive Market Development in our Troy, MI office. In this role, you will drive strategic growth, strengthen key client relationships, and expand ACS’s presence across the automotive industry. You will combine your automotive industry knowledge with business development experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to build lasting client relationships. As Director, you will develop and execute strategies to grow our automotive business, strengthen relationships with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and identify new markets, technologies, and customer needs. Working collaboratively across engineering, project delivery, business development, and executive leadership, you will help position ACS for continued long‑term growth in the automotive market. Essential Job Responsibilities Develop and execute a comprehensive automotive market strategy aligned with ACS's long-term growth objectives. Identify and pursue opportunities to expand ACS's presence with automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and other strategic clients. Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with key client decision‑makers and industry leaders. Develop major accounts and strategic partnerships that result in measurable growth in sales, earnings, and market share. Identify emerging market trends, technologies, and customer needs and translate them into actionable growth opportunities for ACS. Position ACS as a strategic partner for complex automotive projects involving vehicle and component testing, validation, manufacturing, electrification, automation, and advanced technology. Develop strategies for expanding ACS into new automotive segments, geographic markets, and areas of technical capability. Lead and support complex business development efforts, including client presentations, strategic proposals, contract negotiations, and pursuit strategies. Collaborate with engineering, project delivery, estimating, operations, and business development teams to develop solutions that address client needs and differentiate ACS in the marketplace. Represent ACS at industry conferences, trade organizations, networking events, and other activities that strengthen ACS's reputation and industry relationships. Develop relationships and partnerships throughout the automotive ecosystem that create new business opportunities and strengthen ACS's market position. Serve as an internal automotive market expert, sharing industry knowledge and helping teams understand evolving customer needs and technologies. Work closely with executive leadership to establish market goals, evaluate performance, and adjust strategies based on changing industry conditions and opportunities. Basic requirements include: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field is a plus 10+ years of progressive experience within the automotive and/or off-highway industry, with experience supporting OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, manufacturers, engineering organizations, or testing and validation operations. Demonstrated success in business development, market expansion, strategic account development, or strategic partnerships within the automotive or off-highway industry. Strong knowledge of automotive engineering and manufacturing environments, including vehicle and component testing and validation, product development, manufacturing operations, and capital project delivery. Knowledge of current and emerging automotive technologies, which may include: Electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle technologies Battery cells, modules, packs, and battery testing Battery thermal management and environmental testing Electric motors, inverters, e-axles, and electric powertrains Internal combustion, alternative‑fuel, and hybrid powertrains Vehicle dynamics, durability, emissions, NVH, and environmental validation Manufacturing automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies Strong understanding of automotive OEM and Tier 1 organizational structures, purchasing processes, capital investment programs, and decision‑making environments. Proven ability to develop market strategy and translate strategic objectives into measurable business results. Experience leading and influencing cross‑functional teams, including engineering, operations, project delivery, and business development. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with senior executives, technical leaders, engineering organizations, and other key client stakeholders. Strong financial and commercial acumen, including an understanding of project economics, profitability, ROI, forecasting, and risk management. Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills. Ability to travel as necessary to develop client relationships, pursue opportunities, attend industry events, and support ACS teams and clients. The Successful Candidate The successful Director, Automotive Market Development candidate will bring an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to grow a market from opportunity identification through long‑term maturity. This individual will be comfortable operating at both the strategic and relationship level, understanding where the automotive industry is headed while developing the relationships and internal alignment necessary to turn that vision into results. About ACS Along with an amazing company culture - ACS offers comprehensive health care benefits, a 401(k) employer match program, a hybrid work schedule, a bonus incentive program, paid time off and summer hours. comprehensive health care benefits a 401(k) employer match program a hybrid work schedule a bonus incentive program paid time off summer hours ACS specializes in the engineering, integration and construction of technically complex R&D and production equipment, controls, and facilities. Working across multiple industries and markets, including automotive, aerospace, energy, chemical, laboratories and manufacturing, ACS offers a unique mix of experience in control systems, custom machines, testing solutions, automation, process and discrete production systems as well as turnkey integrated buildings. ACS is based in Verona, Wisconsin, with a regional office in Troy, Michigan, and serves customers across North America and around the world. 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