Account Manager - Ford 73535

At ZF LIFETEC, we save lives through cutting-edge technology. With over 60 years of automotive safety innovation, we blend start-up agility with corporate stability to drive meaningful impact worldwide. Operating across 51 locations in 22 countries, our global presence amplifies our mission to make roads safer and save lives. Join us in a supportive and dynamic environment committed to safety, innovation, and reliability.

About the role

This is a role which requires commercial savvy and business acumen. The Account Manager I is responsible for both the support of existing business, as well as the development of future business potential. The position supports Ford in the Americas region and is based in Washington, Michigan. The role demands financial aptitude and comfort working with highly technical products in a competitive and financially rigorous sector.

Responsibilities

• Check and specify RFQ requirements/project goals for Ford customers.
• Involve, coordinate, and drive internal stakeholders.
• Challenge internal stakeholders towards technical, economic, and quality requirements; create best technical and economic conditions.
• Define actions within the framework of specified standards and guidelines.
• Drive and present all aspects of GDPEP 1-2 (approval to quote, quote release approval).
• Prepare offers and/or be a co-partner in the offer process.
• Clarify any discrepancies and work out resolutions together with the KAM/BAM team.
• Bring in commercial view, targets, and tasks.
• Drive change management, check and evaluate costs, and present in CQA meetings if necessary.
• Track compliance with goals (quality, costs, and deadlines); suggest and initiate corrective measures; pro-active coordination.
• Monitor success and report on the status of the project and account.
• Serve as the face of the company and voice of the customer; lead communication of customer feedback internally to drive organization and vice versa.
• Track product Cost Variance (CV) and related POs in association with the KAM/BAM Team.
• Process POs in the ZF system.
• Maintain order tracker with PO status; approve, track, and ensure goods receipt closure for order shipments.
• Act as liaison between customers and the KAM/BAM Team, Engineering, and Program Management to communicate issues with on-time deliveries, prototype purchase orders, and other discrepancies.
• Record, track, and determine quarterly raw material inflation; support the KAM/BAM Team with Claim Recovery.
• Work with Finance and Accounts Receivable (A/R) departments to resolve invoice and payment issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Business, Engineering, or related discipline with project management experience.
• 6-8 years of progressive experience in business/project management with at least 3 years of direct sales experience.
• Experience working in a global, cross-functional organizational structure.
• Proactive cooperation to work with a wide variety of functions/individuals within and across the organization at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Ability to juggle competing demands and adapt to different situations; perform under stressful conditions and meet immediate or short-lead time deadlines.
• Strategic thinking with consideration for the long-term view.
• Ability to work in a highly dynamic organization and under pressure.
• Team player as part of a global sales team.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint/Word) with a high level of coding in Excel for data set analysis.
• Solid leadership, analytical, project management, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Winning mentality, persuasion skills, and a high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Energetic, responsive team player who is keen to take initiatives.
• Proactive, organized, and detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy.
• Professional communication skills both verbally and in writing; fluency in English is mandatory.
• Domestic and international travel required on an as-needed basis; frequent travel to support customers.

Benefits

• Innovative Impact: Shape the future of safety with life-saving technology that truly matters.
• Dynamic Workplace: Thrive in an agile, collaborative environment where every idea counts.
• Culture of Excellence: Be part of a team with over 60 years of high standards and groundbreaking achievements.
• Growth & Empowerment: Advance your career with strong support for personal and professional development.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Work in a culture where inclusiveness thrives and diversity is valued, empowering all employees to reach their full potential.