CLM Search
Key Account Manager
Location: Michigan, USA
About the Client and the Role Our client is a
globally operating automotive supplier with its headquarters in Asia , currently investing significantly in expanding its
North American footprint . The business designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of
automotive components and systems , supplying customers across multiple vehicle platforms and segments.
As part of its U.S. growth strategy, the company is seeking a
Key Account Manager
to support and develop relationships with
Japanese OEMs and Tier 1 customers
based in Michigan. This role will play a critical part in strengthening customer intimacy, supporting localisation efforts, and driving long-term commercial growth in the region.
Key Responsibilities
Act as the primary commercial interface for assigned
Japanese OEM and Tier 1 customer accounts
Develop and strengthen long-term customer relationships, supporting the client’s expansion strategy in the U.S.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing and target customer platforms
Lead RFQ, quotation, and commercial negotiation activities in collaboration with global and regional teams
Ensure all commercial targets are met, including
pricing, margins, ROI, and investment approvals
Develop customer-specific account strategies aligned with regional and global objectives
Coordinate closely with engineering, program management, operations, and finance teams to support customer requirements
Maintain accurate sales forecasting, volume planning, and account reporting
Monitor customer strategies, competitive activity, and market trends within the Japanese automotive sector
Plan and participate in regular customer meetings and business reviews
Ensure customer specifications, RFQ inputs, and commercial data are clearly communicated and maintained within internal systems
Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold professional standards in all customer interactions
Skills and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in
Business, Engineering, or a related discipline
Minimum
3+ years of automotive sales or key account management experience
Prior experience managing
Japanese OEM or Tier 1 customer accounts , such as
Toyota, Nissan, Honda , or equivalent organisations
Strong understanding of automotive products, manufacturing processes, and programme lifecycles
Proven commercial and negotiation capability within an OEM-facing environment
Excellent communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in a
cross-cultural, international organisation
Japanese language skills advantageous, but not essential
Proficiency in
MS Office
and CRM / sales systems
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
About CLM At
CLM , we’re obsessed with creating a better executive search experience for our candidates and clients in the automotive industry. With over
25 years of international experience
providing staffing solutions at
C-Suite, Leadership, and Management level , we go above and beyond to ensure your needs always come first.
Unfortunately, due to the high level of applications, we are not physically able to respond to every candidate. Please follow our CLM careers page for regular job updates, and we hope to support you with your next venture:
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at CLM Search by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About the Client and the Role Our client is a
globally operating automotive supplier with its headquarters in Asia , currently investing significantly in expanding its
North American footprint . The business designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of
automotive components and systems , supplying customers across multiple vehicle platforms and segments.
As part of its U.S. growth strategy, the company is seeking a
Key Account Manager
to support and develop relationships with
Japanese OEMs and Tier 1 customers
based in Michigan. This role will play a critical part in strengthening customer intimacy, supporting localisation efforts, and driving long-term commercial growth in the region.
Key Responsibilities
Act as the primary commercial interface for assigned
Japanese OEM and Tier 1 customer accounts
Develop and strengthen long-term customer relationships, supporting the client’s expansion strategy in the U.S.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing and target customer platforms
Lead RFQ, quotation, and commercial negotiation activities in collaboration with global and regional teams
Ensure all commercial targets are met, including
pricing, margins, ROI, and investment approvals
Develop customer-specific account strategies aligned with regional and global objectives
Coordinate closely with engineering, program management, operations, and finance teams to support customer requirements
Maintain accurate sales forecasting, volume planning, and account reporting
Monitor customer strategies, competitive activity, and market trends within the Japanese automotive sector
Plan and participate in regular customer meetings and business reviews
Ensure customer specifications, RFQ inputs, and commercial data are clearly communicated and maintained within internal systems
Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold professional standards in all customer interactions
Skills and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in
Business, Engineering, or a related discipline
Minimum
3+ years of automotive sales or key account management experience
Prior experience managing
Japanese OEM or Tier 1 customer accounts , such as
Toyota, Nissan, Honda , or equivalent organisations
Strong understanding of automotive products, manufacturing processes, and programme lifecycles
Proven commercial and negotiation capability within an OEM-facing environment
Excellent communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in a
cross-cultural, international organisation
Japanese language skills advantageous, but not essential
Proficiency in
MS Office
and CRM / sales systems
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
About CLM At
CLM , we’re obsessed with creating a better executive search experience for our candidates and clients in the automotive industry. With over
25 years of international experience
providing staffing solutions at
C-Suite, Leadership, and Management level , we go above and beyond to ensure your needs always come first.
Unfortunately, due to the high level of applications, we are not physically able to respond to every candidate. Please follow our CLM careers page for regular job updates, and we hope to support you with your next venture:
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at CLM Search by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr