Key Account Manager - German Customers (Automotive)

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly strategic and technically-minded Key Account Manager to spearhead the growth of critical German Tier 1 accounts. In this role, you will act as a strategic "farmer," focusing on deepening existing relationships and securing new RFQs within the Access & Security business unit. This is a high-visibility position reporting directly to the Business Unit Director, offering significant autonomy and the opportunity to lead complex projects from initial RFQ to Start of Production (SOP). You will be the bridge between global R&D, process engineering, and the customer’s engineering and procurement teams. If you thrive in a fast-paced, international environment and have a proven track record in the automotive sector, this role offers the perfect platform to influence the future of automotive technology while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.

Responsibilities:

Manage and develop strategic German Tier 1 accounts and high-potential customers to ensure long-term growth.
Lead the entire commercial process from the reception of RFQs to the final signing of the Letter of Nomination.
Construct and defend comprehensive business cases, including CAPEX, OPEX, BOM, process costs, and investment analysis.
Coordinate cross-functionally with global R&D, Process Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams across various international sites.
Act as the primary point of contact for German Tier 1 procurement, engineering, and program teams.
Drive the strategic farming approach to identify new opportunities and expand the product footprint within assigned accounts.
Utilize CRM, forecasting, and internal quotation tools to provide accurate business insights.
Influence global project teams without direct hierarchical authority to ensure project milestones and profitability targets are met.

Requirements:

Must-Haves:
- Professional proficiency in German (C1/C2) and fluency in English.
- 5 to 10 years of experience as a Key Account Manager or in Technical Sales within the automotive industry.
- Proven track record in managing Tier 1 accounts and navigating the RFQ-to-nomination lifecycle.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to build and present complex technical-financial business cases.
- 360º vision of product development and industrialization processes.
- Full availability to travel internationally to visit customers and global plants.

Nice-to-Haves:
- Previous experience working within a Tier 2 supplier environment.
- University degree in Engineering (Electronics preferred) or Business Administration with a strong technical sales background.
- Specific knowledge of antennas, magnetic components, or automotive electronics.
- Professional working proficiency in Spanish to facilitate coordination with headquarters.
- Residency in or near Barcelona is preferred, though the role offers remote flexibility.

Company Description:

Our client is a leading global technology corporation specializing in advanced electronic components for the automotive industry. With a clear growth trajectory and a revenue target of €88M by 2027, they are a key player in the Access & Security market. The company prides itself on its international footprint, supported by global R&D centers and manufacturing plants. They offer a dynamic, high-tech environment where strategic accounts in the German market represent 30% of their global turnover. Joining this organization means becoming part of a forward-thinking team that values autonomy, technical excellence, and long-term partnerships with the world's most prestigious automotive suppliers.

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