Sales & Business Development Manager

About the Role

A global automotive supplier is seeking a Sales & Business Development Manager to drive business growth by developing new customer accounts, expanding existing business, and managing strategic customer relationships. This role serves as the primary commercial contact for key accounts while collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, and global sales teams to support product launches and long-term customer success.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Account Management (approximately 70% new business, 30% existing account management)

• Identify and develop new business opportunities with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Grow existing customer accounts while securing new programs.
• Develop sales strategies based on market trends, customer needs, and competitive analysis.
• Build strong customer relationships and serve as the primary commercial contact.
• Act as the voice of the customer internally to ensure customer expectations are met.

Program & Customer Management

• Manage customer programs from initial concept through production and end-of-service.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, manufacturing, and R&D.
• Support prototype development, product launches, and production activities.
• Resolve commercial, production, and customer issues while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support customers and manufacturing locations.

Sales Planning & Performance

• Develop and manage short- and long-term sales plans.
• Track sales forecasts, revenue, profitability, and customer KPIs.
• Manage pricing strategies and commercial negotiations.
• Monitor business performance using internal reporting systems.
• Support collections and resolve commercial issues with customers.

Process Improvement

• Ensure compliance with internal sales procedures and pricing policies.
• Recommend improvements to sales processes and business operations.
• Support continuous improvement and company safety initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of sales, account management, or sales engineering experience in the automotive industry.
• Experience working directly with automotive OEMs and/or Tier 1 suppliers.
• Strong business development and key account management skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a cross-functional, global environment.
• English proficiency required. Japanese proficiency is strongly preferred
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally. (30-40%)

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Program Management experience.
• PMI/PMP certification.
• Product knowledge or experience with electric motors or related automotive components.
• Spanish language skills.

Key Skills

• Business Development
• Key Account Management
• Automotive OEM & Tier 1 Sales
• Strategic Sales Planning
• Customer Relationship Management
• Program Management
• Forecasting & KPI Analysis
• Pricing & Commercial Negotiation
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Product Launch Support
• Market & Competitive Analysis
• Global Customer Support

Work Environment

• Fast-paced global automotive environment.
• Frequent collaboration with international teams across sales, engineering, R&D, and manufacturing.
• Flexibility to accommodate meetings across global time zones.
• Domestic and international travel required to support customer programs and business growth.