Join Our Team as Sales Account Manager – Automotive at Johnson Electric!

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan (onsite)
Vacancy Type: Existing position
Schedule: Full-Time
Travel: Approximately 15–25%, primarily within North America

As our next Sales Account Manager – Automotive, you’ll be at the forefront of managing, developing, and growing strategic business relationships with General Motors and related automotive organizations. Your expertise in automotive account management, business development, RFQ management, and commercial negotiations will be crucial in driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and strengthening long-term customer partnerships.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development through training programs and workshops.
• Collaborative Culture: A supportive and collaborative work environment where teamwork and knowledge sharing are encouraged.
• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary packages and comprehensive benefits that reward your hard work and dedication.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Account Management

• Serve as the primary commercial contact for assigned GM accounts and organizations
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with purchasing, engineering, program management, supplier quality, and executive stakeholders
• Develop a deep understanding of customer vehicle platforms, technology strategies, sourcing plans, and future business opportunities
• Build and execute strategic account plans focused on revenue growth, profitability, and customer penetration
• Conduct customer meetings, business reviews, and executive-level engagements
• Represent Johnson Electric professionally across customer purchasing and technical organizations
• Proactively identify and resolve commercial, technical, quality, delivery, and program-related issues

RFQ & Commercial Management

• Lead and support RFQ, quotation, sourcing, and nomination activities
• Develop pricing strategies, commercial proposals, quotations, and business cases
• Coordinate pricing and cost information with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Finance, and Program Management teams
• Lead pricing discussions, negotiations, cost-reduction initiatives, and commercial change management activities
• Manage requests for quotations, engineering changes, tooling, prototypes, development activities, and production requirements
• Track RFQ activity, customer decisions, program timing, and awarded business
• Maintain accurate forecasts, opportunity pipelines, and account plans within CRM systems

Program & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Operations, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to meet customer requirements
• Support product development and program launches from nomination through SOP and production
• Monitor timing, commercial commitments, customer requirements, and program risks
• Coordinate issue resolution to protect customer satisfaction, profitability, quality, delivery performance, and launch timing
• Communicate customer priorities internally and ensure alignment across the organization
• Support escalation and recovery activities when required

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent automotive industry experience
• 5+ years of automotive sales, account management, business development, or commercial experience
• Demonstrated experience working directly with General Motors and/or major automotive OEMs
• Strong understanding of OEM purchasing, sourcing, RFQ, nomination, and program launch processes
• Experience with customer negotiations, pricing, quotations, and commercial strategy development
• Ability to understand technical automotive products and communicate effectively with engineering and purchasing organizations
• Proven ability to develop customer relationships and identify new business opportunities
• Strong presentation, negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple programs, opportunities, and priorities simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• CRM experience preferred
• Willingness to travel approximately 15–25% as required

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Direct OEM account management experience
• Experience with Tier I automotive suppliers
• Background in powertrain, propulsion, driveline, transmission, or engine components
• Experience with electrification or EV systems
• Experience supporting vehicle program launches
• Knowledge of automotive component manufacturing processes
• Experience with customer pricing strategies, sourcing activities, and commercial negotiations

How to Apply:

Apply online at www.johnsonelectric.com — We can’t wait to meet you!

Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team

Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.