Thornley Corporate SolutionsVerified Source

Key Account Manager, German OEM Automotive (Auburn Hills)

130K–130K
Onsite · Detroit, Michigan
Posted August 12, 2026
payroll

Overview

You will own and expand relationships with major German OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and VW Group as the primary commercial interface for a leading Tier 1 supplier in North America. You will drive profitable sales growth, lead RFQ activities, and negotiate commercial terms across assigned accounts. Reporting to the sales director, you will coordinate with engineering, program management, and operations teams to ensure successful launches. This onsite role in Auburn Hills, MI offers a base salary of $130,000 plus a 15% bonus, with direct impact on the company's German OEM portfolio.

What You'll Do8

  • 1Grow revenue and margin across assigned German OEM accounts, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and VW Group, by building executive relationships and identifying expansion opportunities.
  • 2Lead RFQ and quotation processes for new business, negotiating pricing, tooling, and engineering changes to secure profitable contracts.
  • 3Serve as the primary commercial contact for OEM purchasing teams, resolving issues and aligning on program milestones within 90 days of starting.
  • 4Collaborate with internal engineering, program management, and operations to support launches and manage ongoing program changes.
  • 5Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer forecasts to inform account strategy and long-term planning.
  • 6Drive cost reduction initiatives and commercial claims management to improve account profitability.
  • 7Develop and execute account plans, including budgeting and forecasting, for assigned OEMs.
  • 8Represent the company in technical and commercial reviews, presenting performance metrics and strategic proposals to senior OEM stakeholders.

Requirements8

  • 15-7+ years of key account management or sales experience with German automotive OEMs, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW Group, Audi, Porsche, or Volvo.
  • 2Proven ability to manage RFQ processes and negotiate commercial agreements, including pricing and long-term contracts.
  • 3Strong understanding of cost structures, margin analysis, and financial impact of commercial decisions.
  • 4Experience working with OEM purchasing, engineering, and program management teams in a Tier 1 or automotive supplier environment.
  • 5Self-driven with the ability to manage complex customer demands and internal stakeholders effectively.
  • 6Excellent analytical and numerical skills, with proficiency in Excel and CRM tools.
  • 7German language skills are a plus, but not required.
  • 8Willingness to work onsite in Auburn Hills, MI.

Salary Insight

$130k per year

Location

Typeonsite
LocationDetroit, Michigan

Required Skills

RFQNegotiationsCost ReductionAnalytical SkillsNumerical SkillsMargin AnalysisAccount Management
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