Senior Account Manager (Driveline)

Overview:

Our client is a global supplier with manufacturing, R&D centres in the region.

Lead designated elements within a global account team to achieve an effective customer relationship and Company business objectives.

Products are heavy / metal related also including some mechatronics.

Key Responsibilities:

Internal:

• Represent the customer providing the necessary information to the relevant functions and tracking responses to customer issues

• Maintain a customer database (pricing/contracts,..) and communicate/cooperate with relevant internal functions

• Provide input to the RFI/RFQ and program management business processes.

• Check customer RFQ and related documents and forward to relevant functions for specific checks (feasibility study, contractual check of documents, ...) and documentation thereof (present/support ISO Audit), prepare Quotations and technical and commercial offers.

• Provide input to the account planning process, e.g. 5YP, budget process, demand planning

• Maintain account sales performance data and investigate variances to budget; Propose and manage improvements.

• Review and understand the implications of customer agreements, license agreements and other contracts/agreements; request internal legal support when required

• Adhere to internal authorization processes. Priorities and escalation of critical items to be agreed with the Account Director

• Manage specific tasks as requested by the Account Director

External

• Support the development and execution of the customer strategy

• Develop and maintain an in-depth and up to date understanding of the customer and technical requirements, including market position, vehicle strategy, purchasing strategy, competitor activities, organisation, etc.

• Utilise opportunities to be involved in broader vehicle activities (system supply, product segments,...) of the customer across all Company product segments (in line with customer strategy)

• Participate in/lead customer negotiations such as design changes, changes in the supplier base, move of production, material recovery or contract/annual pricing negotiations and new businesses. Prepare and agree sales plan/tactics ahead of negotiations (i.e. price reconciliation, supporting documents, technical explanations ...).

• Lead in VAVE activities.

Requirements

• University Education with a relevant technical or commercial degree or equivalent experience.

• Minimum 10 years sales experience in the automotive industry, ideally with a proven track record at a tier 1 supplier.

• Candidates should be able to effectively manage, challenge, analyse and summarise multiple-dimension data (cost, budget, and market data).

• Comfortable preparing business cases and analysing financial scenarios.

• Excellent Excel and systems skills.

• Knowledge of Demand Management, Budgeting, Pricing and Cost Interrogation.

• Candidates should have an aptitude for working with detailed data.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Customer-facing experience.

• Be able to negotiate using detailed cost models.