Account Director - Automotive

GP Strategies Corporation•Fountain Valley, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Account Director to be based in Southern California full-time. This role is responsible for strategic account leadership and growth, client relationship management, program and service delivery excellence, operational and financial management, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the automotive industry and experience supporting learning & development, training, or talent solutions initiatives. You will serve as a senior advisor to client stakeholders, driving measurable outcomes and identifying opportunities for revenue growth. This position requires strong financial acumen, operational leadership, and the ability to manage complex, multi-project engagements.

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
Ability to travel to client sites and internal meetings as needed

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