Senior Account Manager

Experienced and results-driven Sales Executive to own and grow relationships with our largest Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) accounts in the defense sector. Responsible for driving revenue growth, managing complex, multi-year program relationships, and serving as the primary strategic point of contact for our top-tier defense OEMs. Combines deep technical fluency in defense manufacturing/procurement with proven strategic account management and new business development skills.

We are 40 000 men and women who meet the challenges faced by our automotive, aviation, defence and industry customers every day. Our passion for challenge and our enthusiasm encourage us to imagine, design and produce high performance and innovative fluid, sealing system and anti-vibration solutions. Working at Hutchinson means being curious about everything, contributing to the evolution of mobility and reducing carbon emissions.

Join us and show what drives you!

A French company with an international presence (25 countries): 170 years of history and passing on our know-how.
5 billion in turnover, with 5% invested in R&D.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Ownership: Serve as the primary relationship owner for the company's largest OEM defense accounts, developing account plans that align customer program roadmaps with company capabilities.
• Program Capture & Business Development: Identify, qualify, and pursue new program opportunities within existing OEM relationships and adjacent business units; support proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Operations to ensure OEM requirements.
• Contract & Pricing Negotiation: Lead commercial negotiations including long-term agreements (LTAs), pricing, terms and conditions, and volume commitments with OEM procurement and supply chain teams.
• Forecasting & Reporting: Maintain accurate account forecasts, pipeline data, and program status reporting in CRM; provide leadership with regular updates on account health, risks, and opportunities.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain multi-level relationships across OEM organizations - engineering, program management, procurement, and executive leadership; multi-year/multi-million-dollar contracts. Proven ability to meet or exceed revenue growth.
• Market Intelligence: Track OEM program timelines, defense budget/appropriations trends, competitor activity, and industry developments (e.g., DoD acquisition programs, FMS opportunities) to inform account strategy.
• Trade Shows & Industry Events: Represent the company at industry conferences, OEM supplier days, and trade shows (e.g., AUSA, GVSETS, MDEX) to strengthen relationships and identify new opportunities.
• Compliance: Ensure all sales activities comply with ITAR/EAR export control regulations, DFARS requirements, and company ethics/compliance policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7 years of sales, business development, or account management experience in the defense/aerospace manufacturing industry, with direct OEM-facing experience.
• Strong understanding of defense procurement processes, DFARS/FAR regulations, and OEM supply chain requirements.
• Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR export control compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and executive-level communication skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office/Excel for forecasting and reporting.
• Travel up to 30-40%.

Sales background.