What are the responsibilities and job description for the Account Manager, OEM position at Sumitomo Wiring Systems (U.S.A.), Inc.?
OEM Account Manager, Ford
Position Summary
The Account Manager is responsible for leading all commercial and customer-facing activities for assigned OEM accounts, with a primary focus on Ford Motor Company. This role owns the full account lifecycle including business development, RFQs, pricing, and program execution ensuring alignment with corporate strategy, profitability targets, and customer expectations. The position serves as the primary interface between the customer and internal cross-functional teams, driving communication, execution, and long-term relationship growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary customer contact and build strong, strategic relationships within OEM.
- Lead and manage all commercial aspects of the account, including securing new business opportunities, RFQs, pricing strategy, negotiations, and contract alignment
- Own RFQ process, ensuring timely, accurate, and competitive submissions
- Identify and develop new business opportunities aligned with corporate growth objectives
- Coordinate closely with engineering, purchasing, operations, and program management teams to support successful program execution
- Act as the bridge between customer requirements and internal functions, ensuring clear communication and alignment
- Support product launches and ensure alignment with APQP, timing, cost targets, and customer requirements
- Promote company products and capabilities to customer(s).
- Monitor and respond to engineering changes, scope modifications, and customer requests
- Participate in monthly reviews, forecasting, and reporting activities
- Drive cost improvement, profitability, and quality initiatives within the account
- Troubleshoot issues proactively and implement effective countermeasures
Core Duties
- Maintain ongoing communication with customers and internal stakeholders
- Support program management and manufacturing functions to ensure seamless execution
- Coordinate activities across Tier suppliers where required
- Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and account performance tracking
- Contribute to marketing strategies to expand customer presence and share of business
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of Ford systems, processes, and supplier requirements
- Proven experience managing financial business cases, pricing, and margins
- Solid knowledge of automotive program lifecycle
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, global organization
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 5 years of automotive account management, sales, or program management experience
- Direct Ford experience strongly preferred
About Sumitomo Wiring Systems (U.S.A.), Inc.
Sumitomo Wiring Systems was established as an electrical wire manufacturer in 1917. Since then, it has grown into a global business and a leading company in wiring harnesses for automobiles. At Sumitomo Wiring Systems (U.S.A.) Inc. (SWS-USA), we specifically sell and provide customer service for wire harness components and lead wire parts. “Connect With the Best” is the SWS Group’s basic principle and is intended to convey our commitment to carrying out business operations that connect to the future by strengthening our connection with customers, people, communities and the world from a market-oriented viewpoint.
To learn more about us, please visit https://www.sws.co.jp/
About Sumitomo Electric Group
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. is a recognized global technology leader with over 280,000 employees working at around 400 group companies in 40 countries. Building on more than 120 years of innovation, today Sumitomo Electric is engaged in diversified business activities that support people’s daily lives and industries in five business segments: automotive, info communications, electronics, environment & energy, and industrial materials. To learn more about Sumitomo Electric, please visit https://sumitomoelectric.com. You can watch videos from our past interns and corporate profile from our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/SumitomoElectric/). Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/sumitomo-electric).
SWS-USA is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.