To grow our team in Detroit, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Sales Account Manager to own a portfolio of OEM and Tier 1 customer relationships and drive commercial results across the full program lifecycle - from RFQ through launch and ongoing account management. This role is responsible for commercial outcomes for the assigned accounts: pricing strategy, contract negotiation, revenue and margin performance, and customer relationships at every level. The ideal candidate is a self-directed commercial operator who can negotiate confidently, manage competing priorities under pressure, and represent LAEPPLE Automotive as the primary business representative for their accounts.
Key Responsibilities:- Responsible for the full commercial relationship for an assigned portfolio of OEM and Tier 1 accounts, including pricing strategy, quoting, and contract negotiation.
- Lead RFQ response strategy, coordinating cross-functional input from Engineering, Purchasing, Operations, and Finance presenting the final resolution on pricing and terms within delegated authority.
- Drive annual pricing negotiations and customer cost-reduction initiatives, having responsibility for the outcomes against margin and revenue targets.
- Own sales performance for the account portfolio (volumes, revenue, and margin) against forecast and budget, with direct accountability for results.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and executive-level relationship for assigned customers, including escalations.
- Lead preparation and delivery of customer presentations, business reviews, and commercial negotiations.
- Responsible for customer issue resolution, coordinating internal teams, and taking accountability for outcomes.
- Partner with Program Management to drive new product launches and engineering changes, possessing the commercial timeline.
- Ensure all commercial deliverables are completed on time, and customer milestones are achieved.
- Manage change requests, customer purchase order updates, and contract documentation, with authority to negotiate terms.
- Maintain accurate customer information, opportunity tracking, and meeting records within the CRM system, utilizing this data to inform account strategy.
- Prepare and present reports to leadership on customer activity, sales forecasts, and market trends.
- Lead customer visits, plant tours, and business review meetings.
- Represent LAEPPLE at trade shows and industry events.
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure customer expectations are met and exceeded.
- Resolve customer concerns related to quality, delivery, service, and pricing.
- Drive implementation of corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Mentor junior sales and account coordination staff as the team grows.
- Ensure compliance with customer, company, and regulatory policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
- Other duties and tasks as assigned.
Education and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or other related field required.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in sales, account management, or program management within the automotive industry, including direct OEM or Tier 1 automotive customer negotiations experience.
- Proven experience with cost analysis, estimation, and margin management.
- Demonstrated history of commercial outcome responsibility in the OEM or Tier I automotive environment including pricing negotiations, contract terms, revenue targets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
- Experience with CRM systems and ERP platforms (SAP a plus).
- Strong ability to analyze sales data, pricing information, and business metrics to inform negotiation strategy.
- Familiarity with automotive product development and launch processes.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills at all levels of the business.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Customer-focused with a proactive, ownership-driven problem-solving approach.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Analytical and business-oriented mindset with commercial acumen.
- Ability to manage multiple accounts, projects, and timelines simultaneously.
- Willingness to travel as business needs dictate, including short domestic trips to customer sites and periodic internal travel to LAEPPLE's corporate headquarters in Germany.
