Key Account Manager

About the role

The Key Account Manager position with VDL Steelweld, USA headquarters in Pontiac, Michigan, is seeking a relationship-driven business professional with a strong commercial mindset and deep understanding of complex industrial or automotive environments.

Responsibilities

• Managing and growing assigned key customer accounts with a long-term strategic focus
• Acting as the primary point of contact for customer commercial and business-development matters
• Developing account strategies, growth plans, and opportunity pipelines for each key customer
• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities within existing accounts and new target customers
• Coinciding customer RFQs, proposal development, and internal cross-functional alignment
• Sustaining close collaboration with engineering and project management teams during pre-award and execution phases
• Managing customer expectations and communication throughout the sales and project lifecycle
• Monitoring customer satisfaction and addressing concerns proactively
• Representing VDL Steelweld at customer meetings, supplier days, trade shows, and industry events
• Supporting global coordination with VDL Steelweld headquarters and international locations when applicable

Requirements

• Business-to-business sales and key account management in industrial or automotive environments
• Strong understanding of automated production systems and manufacturing processes
• Ability to manage complex, long-cycle sales processes involving multiple stakeholders
• Commercial and financial insight, including pricing, margins, and cost drivers
• Understanding of OEM and Tier 1 purchasing, sourcing, and supplier qualification processes
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• To build trust and credibility with technical and executive-level customer contacts
• Experience working with cross-functional internal teams in a matrix organization
• Familiarity with CRM systems and Microsoft Office tools

Skills

• Business-to-business sales and key account management in industrial or automotive environments
• Strong understanding of automated production systems and manufacturing processes
• Ability to manage complex, long-cycle sales processes involving multiple stakeholders
• Commercial and financial insight, including pricing, margins, and cost drivers
• Understanding of OEM and Tier 1 purchasing, sourcing, and supplier qualification processes
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• To build trust and credibility with technical and executive-level customer contacts
• Experience working with cross-functional internal teams in a matrix organization
• Familiarity with CRM systems and Microsoft Office tools

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in sales, business development, or account management
• Experience selling complex technical solutions, automation systems, or capital equipment preferred
• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience strongly preferred

Benefits

Professional, cooperative, and dynamic working environment
Opportunities for professional growth and development within a global organization
Competitive salary and total compensation package
Benefits including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, and 401(k)

Pay

Competitive salary and total compensation package

Schedule

Fast-paced, project-driven environment