Account Manager -Japanese OEMs 73686

About the role

This is a commercial role requiring business acumen. The Account Manager will manage a portfolio of projects for ZF LIFETEC’s Passive Safety Systems business in North America, focusing on Japanese OEMs (JOEMs). The position is based in Washington, Michigan, and involves navigating competitive markets and financial pressures while working with highly technical products.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of customers, products, and projects within North America (USA, Mexico, Canada) for the JOEM global account, including airbags, seat belts, and steering wheel restraint systems.
• Manage sales tasks throughout the product lifecycle: business planning, RFQ acquisition, and post-launch support.
• Ensure portfolio performance aligns with the global account strategy, including sales targets, business acquisition, and financial profitability; lead customer negotiations.
• Report to and support the JOEMs NA Sales Manager by developing battle plans, account strategies, and presentations for new acquisitions, and conducting negotiations in line with global strategy.
• Coordinate with the Global JOEM Sales team (especially Japan) and internal departments—engineering, finance, operations, and product lines—to prepare quotations and achieve successful negotiations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Business or Engineering.
• 5+ years of sales experience in the automotive industry.
• Prior experience working with Japanese OEMs (JOEMs) is preferred.
• Strong understanding of customer needs and excellent negotiation skills.
• Experience working in a global, cross-functional organization; ability to collaborate across departments and regions.
• Proactive and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing demands and meet tight deadlines under pressure.
• Strategic thinker with an analytical approach; experience creating business cases for management review.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment as part of a global sales team.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong analytical, project management, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Winning mentality, persuasion skills, and a high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Energetic, responsive, and proactive with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluency in English required; Spanish or Japanese is a plus.
• Flexibility to support global virtual meetings outside of North American core hours as needed.
• Domestic and international travel required to support customers.

Why ZF LIFETEC?

• Innovative Impact: Shape the future of safety with life-saving technology that makes a real difference.
• Dynamic Workplace: Thrive in an agile, collaborative environment where every idea counts.
• Culture of Excellence: Join a team with over 60 years of high standards and groundbreaking achievements in automotive safety.
• Growth & Empowerment: Advance your career with strong support for personal and professional development.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Work in a culture where inclusiveness thrives, barriers are removed, and unique perspectives are valued.