Key Account Sales Manager

We are looking for a highly motivated and commercially driven Key Account Manager to lead OEM customer business within the automotive powertrain sector. The ideal candidate combines strong sales expertise, technical understanding of internal combustion engines, and strategic business acumen to drive sustainable growth with key automotive customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage sales activities for powertrain components with OEM and Tier customers, acting as the key commercial contact
• Develop and strengthen long-term customer relationships through regular meetings, visits, and negotiations
• Prepare quotations, pricing strategies, sales presentations, and contract negotiations including terms & conditions
• Develop customer strategies aligned with company objectives, including market, cost, SWOT, and pricing analyses
• Prepare and maintain Annual Operating Plans (AOP), Long Range Plans (LRP), forecasts, and sales planning data in systems such as SOPS, CCAT, Hunting Lists, and Action Plans
• Monitor margins, inflation impacts, pricing deviations, and volume changes, initiating negotiations and corrective actions when needed
• Coordinate global RFQs, customer inquiries, and internal commercial alignment including costing, capacity, and footprint reviews
• Administer customer portals and maintain sales-related documentation, contracts, orders, pricing updates, and approvals within SAP/ERP systems
• Collaborate closely with purchasing, engineering, finance, logistics, quality, legal, and operations teams to support business objectives and project implementation
• Support finance and manufacturing plants in resolving overdue payments, pricing discrepancies, warranty discussions, and customer escalations
• Coordinate customer communication and crisis management activities when required

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Strong sales experience within the automotive industry, preferably with OEM customers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen Group
• Proven experience managing OEM and Tier customer relationships and commercial negotiations
• Deep technical knowledge of internal combustion engines and powertrain components
• Strong understanding of financial data, pricing structures, margins, and cost analysis
• Proactive “maker” mentality with strong coordination and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities across international and cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, SAP, ERP systems, and customer portals
• Fluent English and German language skills (spoken and written)
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ownership, proactive approach.

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