Account Manager – Ford & OEM/Tier 1 Accounts

Location: Novi, Michigan

Compensation: Base Salary $100,000 – $115,000 + Benefits

Reports To: Sales & Marketing Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Company Overview

We are a leading supplier of suspension ball joints, aluminum suspension links, steering tie rods, and stabilizer connecting rods to the North American automotive industry. We are seeking a motivated Account Manager to support and grow business with Ford Motor Company and other OEM and Tier 1 automotive customers.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing or supporting automotive OEM accounts, strong knowledge of chassis and suspension systems, and a proven ability to build lasting customer relationships while driving business growth.

Position Summary

The Account Manager will be responsible for managing assigned OEM and Tier 1 customer accounts, with a focus on Ford and other Detroit-area automotive customers. This individual will serve as the primary commercial contact for customers, support new business development activities, manage quotations and pricing discussions, and coordinate customer requirements with internal teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Account Management & Customer Relations

• Manage and support assigned OEM and Tier 1 customer accounts, including Ford Motor Company and other automotive customers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with purchasing, engineering, program management, and other key customer stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments.
• Collect customer feedback and proactively address customer needs and concerns.
• Ensure timely resolution of customer issues and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

Business Development & Sales Activities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing and prospective customer accounts.
• Prepare and deliver customer presentations, quotations, and commercial proposals.
• Support pricing negotiations, volume planning, and commercial discussions.
• Achieve or exceed assigned sales objectives and business development targets.
• Communicate sales activities, customer feedback, and business opportunities to management.

Program & Market Analysis

• Monitor customer sourcing activities, vehicle programs, market trends, and competitive developments.
• Analyze current and future program opportunities and provide strategic sales recommendations.
• Support customer RFQ activities and coordinate responses with internal teams.
• Maintain accurate sales forecasts and program status reports.

Customer Portal Management

• Utilize SAP Ariba and customer supplier portals to support commercial activities.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Ford supplier systems and OEM customer portals.
• Ensure timely responses to customer requests, RFQs, and sourcing activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to support customer requirements.
• Investigate and help resolve product-related issues, technical inquiries, and warranty concerns.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of automotive account management, sales, or business development experience.
• Experience managing or supporting OEM and/or Tier 1 automotive accounts.
• Experience working with Detroit 3 OEMs, preferably Ford Motor Company.
• Knowledge of automotive chassis and suspension systems.
• Working knowledge of SAP Ariba and OEM customer portals.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Self-motivated, customer-focused, and results-oriented.

Preferred

• Direct experience supporting Ford Motor Company accounts.
• Experience with chassis, suspension, steering, or related automotive components.
• Familiarity with Ford supplier portals and sourcing processes.
• Experience working with both OEM and Tier 1 automotive customers.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel periodically within the local region and occasionally to Canada as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to customer locations.