Solutions Account Executive

Bastian Automation is a trusted material handling automation integrator supporting distribution and manufacturing operations across the automotive, aerospace, tire and wheel, and other related industries – helping them work smarter, scale faster, and deliver with confidence.

About the role

This role will own customer relationships and opportunity development for domestic automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. The Solution Account Executive is accountable for driving pipeline growth while operating within defined automotive standards and risk frameworks. The role encompasses many aspects of sales, including evaluating RFQ requests for feasibility and risk, concepting, estimating, and subcontracting. You will wear many hats and play a key role in developing the sales organization’s processes and procedures as it scales over time.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage relationships with domestic automotive customers.
• Become a trusted advocate for the customer’s needs by identifying pain points and evaluating appropriate ROI to develop real, ideally repeatable, solutions.
• Lead RFI and RFQ opportunities (including estimating) in partnership with internal groups and external vendors.
• Own customer communication, timelines, and expectations.
• Coordinate internal resources to deliver compliant proposals.
• Coordinate external vendors/subcontractors as required to bid complete RFQs with few to no deviations.
• Defend scope, assumptions, and standards during negotiations.
• Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting and reporting.
• Ensure smooth transition from Sales to Execution post-award, co-leading project kick-off (with PM) with execution groups.

Key Objectives

• Build long-term customer trust, ensuring repeat business potential.
• Act as the main advocate for customer success.
• Prevent surprises by aligning expectations early across the broader organization.
• Ensure sales efforts are aligned with execution reality.
• Strengthen feedback loops between customer and Bastian Automation by soliciting honest feedback to improve the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in a related field.
• 2+ years of industry experience within Automotive/Manufacturing.
• Prior experience in automotive project requirements, standards, and risk mitigation.
• Familiarity with the execution process of multi-disciplined automotive projects.
• Experience navigating pricing negotiations with customer buyer teams.
• Must be eligible to work in the USA long term without sponsorship.
• Employees must follow all information security policies, protect confidential data, complete required training, and report any suspected security incidents to support information security controls.

Travel Requirements

Up to 30% overnight travel.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match.
• Vacation/Holiday Pay.
• Paid Volunteer time off.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Professional Associations, Conferences, and Subscriptions.
• Company Meetings & Events.