What are the responsibilities and job description for the Area Account Manager position at Surge Staffing?
SUMMARY
The Corporate Accounts – Area Account Manager (Automotive) is responsible for the profitable and efficient management of key client accounts within the automotive manufacturing and supply sector. This includes ensuring operational excellence, optimizing supply chain and production support performance, and strengthening client relationships to achieve service, revenue, and profitability goals.
The Account Manager serves as the primary liaison between automotive clients (OEMs, Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers) and internal operations, ensuring that all manufacturing support, logistics, and aftermarket activities align with customer requirements and company objectives.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
- Drive profitability by managing existing automotive accounts and identifying new business opportunities within the automotive manufacturing and supply chain sector.
- Develop and execute client-specific account strategies to enhance production efficiency, delivery performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Ensure operational and quality standards are met across all automotive activities — from parts supply and just-in-time (JIT) delivery to aftermarket service.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the main point of contact for assigned automotive clients, overseeing all commercial, operational, and service-related aspects.
- Develop and implement strategic account plans focused on performance improvement, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between production, quality, supply chain, and customer service teams to ensure flawless execution of customer programs.
- Monitor and analyze key performance metrics such as on-time delivery, parts quality, line stoppage prevention, and warranty performance; make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
- Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with key clients to review results, address issues, and identify growth opportunities.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing, and service terms with customers and suppliers to ensure profitability and customer value.
- Support business development through cross-selling and upselling of manufacturing support services, logistics solutions, and aftermarket programs.
- Collaborate with finance to monitor account profitability, ensure billing accuracy, and oversee collections in line with company policies.
- Maintain compliance with automotive industry standards and regulations, including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and OEM-specific requirements.
- Stay informed on automotive market trends, electrification, and supply chain innovations to provide strategic insights and value-added solutions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Automotive Management, Engineering, or Supply Chain (or equivalent experience).
- 3–5 years of experience in automotive account management, supplier relations, or production/supply chain operations.
- Proven record of building and maintaining strong relationships with OEMs or Tier 1 automotive clients.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to interpret technical and performance data.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in ERP, CRM, and production tracking systems (SAP, QAD, or similar); Microsoft Office Suite required.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-demand automotive environment.
- Strong leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills across functional departments.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
- Meet or exceed assigned revenue, margin, and customer satisfaction goals for managed accounts.
- Maintain high levels of customer retention and program performance.
- Identify and close opportunities for account expansion, process optimization, and innovation.
- Ensure 100% compliance with company and customer operational, safety, and quality standards.
Salary : $65,000 - $75,000