Key Account Manager

VDL USA Holding Inc • Pontiac, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Key Account Manager is responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding strategic customer relationships with Automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and selected non-automotive customers. This role focuses on business development, customer satisfaction, long-term account growth, and coordination between the customer and internal VDL Steelweld teams. The Key Account Manager works closely with engineering, project management, estimating, and global VDL Steelweld teams to ensure customer requirements are clearly understood and translated into competitive technical and commercial proposals.

Requirements

• Business-to-business sales and key account management in industrial or automotive environments
• Strong understanding of automated production systems and manufacturing processes
• Ability to manage complex, long-cycle sales processes involving multiple stakeholders
• Commercial and financial insight, including pricing, margins, and cost drivers
• Understanding of OEM and Tier 1 purchasing, sourcing, and supplier qualification processes
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to build trust and credibility with technical and executive-level customer contacts
• Experience working with cross-functional internal teams in a matrix organization
• Familiarity with CRM systems and Microsoft Office tools
• 4-year degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in sales, business development, or account management

Nice To Haves

• Experience selling complex technical solutions, automation systems, or capital equipment preferred
• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Managing and growing assigned key customer accounts with a long-term strategic focus
• Acting as the primary point of contact for customer commercial and business-development matters
• Developing account strategies, growth plans, and opportunity pipelines for each key customer
• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities within existing accounts and new target customers
• Coordinating customer RFQs, proposal development, and internal cross-functional alignment
• Supporting commercial negotiations on pricing, scope, timing, and contractual terms
• Maintaining close collaboration with engineering and project management teams during pre-award and execution phases
• Managing customer expectations and communication throughout the sales and project lifecycle
• Monitoring customer satisfaction and addressing concerns proactively
• Representing VDL Steelweld at customer meetings, supplier days, trade shows, and industry events
• Supporting global coordination with VDL Steelweld headquarters and international locations when applicable

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• short- and long-term disability
• life insurance
• accident insurance
• 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior