Key Account Manager

Tenneco•Plymouth, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Key Account Manager will act as the primary point of contact for assigned OEM/Tier 1 customers, managing customer portals and ensuring timely, accurate communication of customer requirements and updates. This role involves conducting regular customer visits to strengthen relationships and support program development, and partnering with Application Engineering in developing sales strategies for key programs. The Key Account Manager will work closely with various departments to ensure alignment with customer expectations, contribute to annual sales plans, and monitor market trends. This position also involves identifying new business opportunities, facilitating pricing strategy development, supporting contract negotiations, and managing special projects. The role requires tracking pricing and market activities, providing benchmarking insights, and assisting in resolving customer issues. Additionally, the Key Account Manager will identify cost reduction opportunities and deliver timely reports on customer interactions and business status.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or Business
5+ years of automotive sales experience.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
A valid driver’s license and passport.
Ability to travel to customer locations up to 20% within North America.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Ford/GM/Stellantis systems and processes.
Experience working with Tier 1 customers, including knowledge of their systems and processes.
Experience with brake products.

Responsibilities

Act as the primary point of contact for assigned OEM/Tier 1 customers.
Manage customer portals and ensure timely, accurate communication of customer requirements and updates.
Conduct regular customer visits to strengthen relationships and support program development.
Partner with Application Engineering in developing sales strategies for key programs.
Work closely with Sales, Application Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, Logistics, Research & Development, and Quality to ensure alignment with customer expectations.
Contribute to annual sales plans, strategic growth initiatives, and both medium and long-term sales forecasts.
Monitor and advise the Sales Department and Application Engineering of customer build schedules, new vehicle programs, and market trends. Ensure these numbers are included in annual sales plans and strategic forecasts.
Identify new business opportunities and collaborate with Application Engineering to develop tailored solutions to customer requirements.
Facilitate pricing strategy development, cost analysis, and quotation preparation in coordination with Sales support.
Support contract negotiations and maintain documentation for pricing agreements and supply terms, including price management activities.
Manage special projects and corporate activities such as material recovery, VAVE implementation, SOPS, APO and profit enhancement.
Track pricing, market activities, and strategic movements within the braking market. Keep the Sales Department, Research & Development, and Application Engineering informed.
Provide benchmarking insights to the Sales Director, when appropriate, to support competitive positioning.
Assist in resolving delivery issues, coordinating manufacturing location decisions, securing customer approvals for part transfers, and other critical customer issues as required.
Identify cost reduction opportunities in collaboration with Application Engineering and Operations, as appropriate.
Deliver timely reports on customer interactions, program status, pricing updates, new business awards, threats, and business wins/losses to Sales Support.