The Key Account Manager / Business Development Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving account performance, strengthening customer relationships, and delivering profitable growth. Serving as the primary customer interface, this role works closely with cross-functional teams to improve business results, ensure alignment with customer expectations, and support long-term account success.
A key aspect of the role is leading the quotation strategy for future business opportunities. This includes coordinating cross-functional teams, developing competitive and profitable proposals, evaluating growth opportunities, and positioning the organization to secure new business awards. The successful candidate will combine strong customer leadership, business acumen, and strategic thinking to improve profitability, expand market share, and support the company's growth objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead commercial strategy and execution for key customer accounts, driving actions to improve profitability, strengthen customer relationships, resolve business challenges, and identify opportunities for growth.
- Serve as the primary customer interface, coordinating cross-functional teams across Sales, Engineering, Operations, Program Management, Purchasing, and Finance to ensure customer commitments are met.
- Lead the quotation strategy and quotation team for future business opportunities, ensuring competitive, accurate, and profitable commercial proposals that support the company's growth objectives.
- Develop and execute account growth plans by identifying new business opportunities, building strong customer relationships, and positioning the organization for future program awards.
- Drive commercial performance through effective management of pricing, recoveries, program profitability, contract negotiations, and overall account financial health.
- Provide leadership and direction to the quotation process and team, developing commercial capabilities, improving processes, and ensuring alignment between customer expectations and business objectives.
JOB REQUIREMENTS- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred)
- 8-12+ years of experience in business development, sales, or commercial strategy, ideally within automotive or advanced manufacturing
- Direct experience working with Ford, Rivian, or similar OEM customers strongly preferred
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior customer stakeholders
- Deep understanding of OEM sourcing processes, RFQs, and program award cycles
- Highly strategic, competitive, and results-driven mindset
- Willingness to travel as needed to support customer engagements and program pursuits
