Account Manager

Denso•Southfield, MI

About The Position

Under limited direction, the Account Manager builds and maintains effective long-term relationships with a defined customer base, particularly high-value customers, to support customer satisfaction and revenue growth. The role identifies, develops, and typically closes new sales opportunities; serves as the primary interface for products and services; raises the profile of the organization’s offerings; and helps define and communicate customer requirements. The position requires broad knowledge of organizational policies, products, and services. The Account Manager works with customer headquarters staff, regional teammates, and DENSO personnel to understand and address account needs. The role supports sales planning, business expansion, profitability, customer and product strategies, marketing activities, and commercial coordination. It also provides guidance and coaching to lower-level colleagues and may contribute to performance evaluations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
At least 5 years of related experience.
Ability to travel domestically as needed.
Excellent project management skills, including defining objectives, identifying customers and stakeholders, planning steps, and coordinating resources to achieve goals effectively and on time.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present and explain technical or complex material independently.
Excellent customer service skills and the ability to approach business relationships as partnerships.
Excellent analytical skills and the ability to independently evaluate complex situations and develop innovative solutions using sound judgment.
Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to resolve difficult or sensitive situations, anticipate customer needs, take a strong position respectfully, and seek positive outcomes.
Demonstrated competency using computer software and mainframe applications to manipulate, analyze, and reconcile data.

Nice To Haves

Previous automotive aftermarket experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicate with and visit customers’ headquarters staff, regional teammates, and DENSO personnel to determine and satisfy account needs.
Assist in developing and implementing customer- and product-based strategies for DIAM products.
Support business expansion activities and cultivate, expand, and maintain customer relationships to identify potential and future opportunities.
Use and present competitor pricing analysis and make strategic recommendations on improving and implementing approved strategies.
Keep abreast of current products.
Support and attend regional sales meetings, customer annual sales meetings, trade shows, open houses, lunch-and-learn meetings, and marketing events.
Develop and execute accurate and complete sales plans with management; ensure maintenance and expansion activities support those plans.
Develop and review sales plans with management and recommend and explain product rankings, pricing, and volume strategies.
Review variance analysis and related information for accuracy and provide detailed management reports.
Coordinate communications, marketing tools, and promotions for assigned accounts.
Negotiate product and related sales and marketing issues with customers, and guide lower-level colleagues in negotiations.
Build and maintain internal and external networks to address daily issues, gather information, and support company goals and objectives.
Coordinate cost-related commercial and business activities as required, and potentially help develop profitability-improvement strategies.
Track profitability and analyze and follow up with customers and/or plants to negotiate value-added opportunities.
Potentially analyze and review annual percentage rate lists and make recommendations to top management based on pricing strategies, customer roadmaps, and internal targets.
Guide, coach, and oversee lower-level colleagues’ work and potentially provide input into performance evaluations.
Analyze current processes and systems and identify and implement improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of sales and marketing activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
401(k) with 4% company match.
Vacation/PTO and 13 paid holidays.
Bonus program.
FSA/HSA and dependent care programs.
Company-provided life, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and business travel insurance.
No-cost wellness and chronic condition management programs.
Optional insurance programs, including legal, identity theft, and critical illness coverage.
Tuition reimbursement.
Career development and ongoing training.
Employee assistance program.
Employee spotlight and recognition program.
Volunteer opportunities.
Onsite fitness center, varying by location.
Cafeteria and food markets, varying by location.
Onsite health clinic and pharmacy, varying by location.