Sales Director - Tiers

In-office Troy, MI

About the role

The Sales Director is responsible for driving strategic growth across regional automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEM customers. This role focuses on securing wins, managing complex multi-year programs, and expanding adoption of advanced connector and interconnect solutions. The ideal candidate brings deep automotive expertise, strong technical sales capabilities, and a proven ability to influence both engineering and executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Leadership (Automotive Tier 1 & OEMs)
  • Own and lead commercial relationships with key automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEM customers.
  • Develop and execute multi-year account strategies aligned to vehicle platform roadmaps and program launches.
  • Build strong relationships across engineering, purchasing, and executive leadership within customer organizations.
  • Manage long design cycles tied to vehicle platforms, ensuring early engagement in RFQ/RFI processes.
  • Deliver against aggressive revenue and margin targets tied to automotive platforms and programs.
  • Build and maintain a high-quality pipeline aligned to future vehicle platforms (3–7 year horizon).
  • Lead forecasting aligned to customer production volumes and platform lifecycles.
  • Identify growth opportunities in emerging automotive trends such as electrification (EV/HEV), autonomous driving, connectivity, and lightweighting.
  • Expand share of wallet within existing Tier 1 accounts and penetrate new OEM platforms.
  • Collaborate with customers to identify unmet needs and position innovative connector solutions.
  • Partner with engineering and product management to align product roadmaps with automotive requirements (e.g., high voltage, high-speed data).
  • Lead pricing strategy, contract negotiations, LTAs (Long-Term Agreements), and sourcing discussions.
  • Navigate cost engineering, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), and annual cost-down expectations.
  • Ensure compliance with automotive commercial and quality requirements.
  • Monitor automotive megatrends, competitive landscape, and regulatory impacts (e.g., EV adoption, safety standards).
  • Provide insights to guide innovation in connector technologies (high-speed, sealed, miniaturized, high-power).
  • Lead and develop key account managers and the Tier1 sales teams.
  • Foster collaboration across teams supporting major OEM platforms.

Requirements

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in automotive sales, preferably in connectors, interconnects, or automotive electronics.
  • Proven success managing Tier 1 suppliers and/or OEM accounts.
  • Strong experience with automotive design cycles, RFQs, and platform-based selling.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Deep knowledge of automotive systems: EV powertrain, ADAS, infotainment, body electronics.
  • Strong understanding of automotive quality and program requirements (PPAP, APQP, IATF 16949).
  • Demonstrated success in design-in selling and influencing engineering decisions.
  • Excellent executive communication and negotiation skills.
  • Strategic mindset with ability to manage long, complex sales cycles.

Key Performance Indicators

• Revenue growth across automotive Tier 1 accounts
• Number and value of design wins tied to vehicle platforms
• Program conversion rate (RFQ → award → SOP)
• Market share in key automotive platforms
• Customer satisfaction and retention

Work Environment & Travel

• Travel required (30–50%), including domestic and international customer visits.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, global automotive environment with long development cycles.

Benefits

• Private health care effective day 1 of employment
• Life and accident insurance
• Paid Time Off (Holidays, Vacation, Designated time off, Parental leave)
• Relocation assistance may be available
• Learning and development opportunities
• Discount programs with various manufacturers and retailers
• Recognition for innovation and excellence
• Opportunities to give back to the community
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance
• Fertility Coverage