Consulting Manager

SBD Automotive•Ann Arbor, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

SBD Automotive is a global research and consulting firm that supports manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies with strategy, insight, and execution across connected, electric, autonomous, and software-defined vehicles. Our clients rely on our independent thorough research and our deep specialization that feeds differentiated insights to make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving mobility industry. We support leading manufacturers and technology players in the mobility ecosystem who are working at the cutting-edge of features and capabilities in the industry. As a Consulting Manager, you will lead the delivery of complex client projects, manage and develop consulting teams, and play a key role in growing existing client relationships and supporting new opportunities. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining project delivery, team management, and commercial responsibility. You will work closely with Senior Managers and BU leadership to ensure projects deliver real value to clients while also identifying and shaping the next piece of work.

Requirements

Delivery-focused consultant with strong client skills and a clear commercial mindset.
Comfortable leading projects, managing teams, and using client relationships to generate new work.
Experience in automotive, mobility, or related technology sectors.
A proven track record delivering consulting or complex analytical projects.
Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills.
Experience managing small teams or leading project workstreams.
A commercial mindset, with experience identifying or supporting new business opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in areas such as connected vehicles, EVs, ADAS, software-defined vehicles, digital services, or the regulatory environment that surrounds them.
Prior experience in consulting or strategy roles.
Experience contributing to proposals, scoping, or client account development.

Responsibilities

Lead consulting projects from scoping through execution and final presentation.
Act as the primary day-to-day contact for clients on assigned engagements.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to a high professional standard.
Translate client needs into clear project plans, deliverables, and outcomes.
Provide structured, actionable insights that support client decision-making.
Grow existing client accounts by identifying and shaping follow-on opportunities.
Take ownership of farming activities within your active client base.
Support outreach to new clients and early-stage opportunities.
Contribute actively to proposals, scopes, and pricing discussions.
Help convert client conversations into funded projects.
Manage and develop consultants and senior consultants.
Provide coaching, feedback, and performance support.
Ensure effective project staffing and utilization.
Foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
Contribute to SBD’s Centers of Excellence through domain expertise.
Support the development of methodologies, tools, and best practices.
Share knowledge across projects, teams, and regions.