Key Account Manager

Are you a relationship‑driven business professional with a strong commercial mindset and deep understanding of complex industrial or automotive environments? Do customers see you as a trusted partner who understands their business, technical challenges, and long‑term goals? Do you thrive on building strategic relationships, driving new revenue, and growing key accounts? If so, the Key Account Manager position with VDL Steelweld, USA headquarters in Pontiac, Michigan, may be the right opportunity for you.Who are we? THE GLOBAL PERSPECTIVEVDL Steelweld is a diverse, versatile, international company established in 1965 actively involved in Automated Production Systems, Special Products, Automated Guided Vehicles and Parking Systems. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands with branches in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, China and we are not done yet!Our primary competencies include processing, designing, producing and installing robotic production systems offering a wide range of handling, assembly and joining technologies for industrial applications. We are a first-tier supplier for car manufacturing OEMs around the world. Our product lines are as varied and diverse as our people. We produce products, ranging from complex mechatronic systems to robotics to large welded constructions. Together with more than 500 high-energy, motivated staff members, VDL Steelweld delivers projects, products and services to satisfied customers across a wide variety of industries all around the world.Our LOCAL VIEWAs with our Global counterparts, VDL Steelweld USA’s corporate philosophy embodies a long-term relationship focus that offers innovative, cutting-edge, automated production lines and system solutions for our customers.A Closer Look At WHAT IT TAKESThe Key Account Manager is responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding strategic customer relationships with Automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and selected non‑automotive customers. This role focuses on business development, customer satisfaction, long‑term account growth, and coordination between the customer and internal VDL Steelweld teams.The Key Account Manager works closely with engineering, project management, estimating, and global VDL Steelweld teams to ensure customer requirements are clearly understood and translated into competitive technical and commercial proposals.Duties IncludeManaging and growing assigned key customer accounts with a long‑term strategic focusActing as the primary point of contact for customer commercial and business‑development mattersDeveloping account strategies, growth plans, and opportunity pipelines for each key customerIdentifying and pursuing new business opportunities within existing accounts and new target customersCoordinating customer RFQs, proposal development, and internal cross‑functional alignmentSupporting commercial negotiations on pricing, scope, timing, and contractual termsMaintaining close collaboration with engineering and project management teams during pre‑award and execution phasesManaging customer expectations and communication throughout the sales and project lifecycleMonitoring customer satisfaction and addressing concerns proactivelyRepresenting VDL Steelweld at customer meetings, supplier days, trade shows, and industry eventsSupporting global coordination with VDL Steelweld headquarters and international locations when applicableDo you have the KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES?Business‑to‑business sales and key account management in industrial or automotive environmentsStrong understanding of automated production systems and manufacturing processesAbility to manage complex, long‑cycle sales processes involving multiple stakeholdersCommercial and financial insight, including pricing, margins, and cost driversUnderstanding of OEM and Tier 1 purchasing, sourcing, and supplier qualification processesStrong communication, negotiation, and presentation skillsAbility to build trust and credibility with technical and executive‑level customer contactsExperience working with cross‑functional internal teams in a matrix organizationFamiliarity with CRM systems and Microsoft Office toolsDo you have the EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE?4‑year degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experienceMinimum of 8 years of experience in sales, business development, or account managementExperience selling complex technical solutions, automation systems, or capital equipment preferredAutomotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience strongly preferredWork ContextCustomer‑focused, relationship‑driven mindsetProactive, self‑starter with a strong sense of ownershipEntrepreneurial approach to account growth and opportunity developmentStrong organizational and time‑management skillsComfortable operating in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environmentWillingness to travel as required to support customers and business development activitiesWhat WE HAVE TO OFFERProfessional, cooperative, and dynamic working environmentOpportunities for professional growth and development within a global organizationCompetitive salary and total compensation packageBenefits including medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, and 401(k)NoteDrug test and background check are required.