Account Director - Automotive

GP Strategies•Fountain Valley, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented Account Director with a focus on the Automotive industry. This role requires a strong leader to manage and grow key client accounts, drive program delivery excellence, and ensure financial success. The ideal candidate will be based in Southern California and will serve as a senior advisor to client executives, building trust-based relationships and identifying opportunities for revenue growth and deeper partnerships. You will oversee complex projects, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.

Requirements

10+ years of experience leading client accounts, including revenue ownership and strategic planning.
5+ years managing financials for large, complex accounts or programs.
Proven experience delivering large-scale, multi-project engagements.
Automotive industry experience required.
Experience supporting learning & development, training, or talent solutions initiatives.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
Strategic account management and growth mindset.
Executive-level client communication and relationship building.
Operational leadership and project delivery oversight.
Financial acumen (forecasting, profitability, margin management).
Problem-solving, adaptability, and decision-making in complex environments.
Cross-functional collaboration and team leadership.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Positive, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset.
Strong conflict resolution and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned with client business objectives.
Serve as a senior advisor to client stakeholders, positioning solutions that drive measurable outcomes.
Identify and expand opportunities within the account to grow revenue and deepen partnerships.
Deliver accurate forecasting, revenue tracking, and account performance reporting.
Build strong, trust-based relationships with client executives and key stakeholders.
Act as the primary escalation point and senior contact for all account matters.
Understand client business priorities, leadership initiatives, and talent development needs.
Ensure high levels of client satisfaction through proactive engagement and service excellence.
Oversee delivery of multiple complex projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with client expectations.
Manage cross-functional teams and resources to execute programs effectively.
Collaborate with project managers to ensure objectives, budgets, and timelines are met.
Identify and mitigate risks to delivery, quality, and client satisfaction.
Manage account financials including revenue, profitability, and gross margin performance.
Drive productivity and efficiency through innovation, automation, and process improvement.
Optimize resourcing strategies across delivery teams and geographies.
Balance client needs with internal standards and operational requirements.
Partner across internal teams and service lines to deliver integrated solutions.
Expand conversations within the client organization to introduce new capabilities and offerings.
Support broader organizational initiatives to drive growth and innovation.
Represent the organization’s value proposition with clarity and confidence.
Ensure service delivery meets the highest standards of quality and excellence.
Implement continuous improvement practices based on feedback and performance data.
Maintain strong oversight of project execution and client outcomes.