Now Hiring - ifm efector, inc. - Key Account Manager - Automotive in Detroit, MI

Full description of the position

Position Summary The Key Account Manager (KAM) is a self-motivated, highly organized, and results-driven sales professional responsible for developing and executing comprehensive account strategies that drive growth and strengthen partnerships with key clients in the industrial automation and automotive sectors. This role requires a hunter mentality--proactively identifying, qualifying, and winning new business opportunities while maintaining and expanding relationships with existing customers. The KAM acts as the primary liaison between the company and strategic accounts, ensuring the delivery of innovative solutions that align with client operational priorities and create long-term value. Key Responsibilities Account Strategy & Growth * Develop and implement detailed business plans and account strategies aligned with corporate objectives and revenue targets. * Identify, prioritize, and pursue new opportunities within target segments, leveraging market intelligence and competitive analysis. * Drive strategic initiatives that position the company as a preferred partner for automation solutions globally. * Build and maintain a robust funnel of new customer opportunities by researching, identifying, and approaching top-quality prospects. Relationship Management * Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts across all regions and business units. * Build and nurture strong executive-level relationships, influencing decision-makers in engineering, procurement, and operations. * Foster trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships with multiple stakeholders, including Plant Managers, General Managers, and C-level Executives. Solution Selling & Project Leadership * Gain a deep understanding of customers' business models, operational challenges, and technical requirements. * Propose tailored solutions leveraging the company's portfolio of sensors, controls, software, and Industry 4.0 technologies. * Collaborate with internal technical teams and external system integrators to deliver innovative, scalable solutions. * Lead and accelerate the sales process for capital projects, ensuring successful and timely project completion and delivery. Organization & Thoroughness * Work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail in all aspects of account management. * Monitor account performance, pipeline development, and revenue growth, providing regular reporting and insights to senior leadership. * Conduct extensive customer visits (digital and in-person), create customer-focused presentations and proposals, and manage contract negotiations. Market Intelligence & Continuous Learning * Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and changes in control systems. * Adapt to change, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and maintain a high sense of responsibility and accountability. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred. * Minimum 5+ years of experience in key account management, consultative and solutions selling, ideally within industrial automation, sensor technology, or automotive sectors. * Proven track record of managing complex accounts and driving significant revenue growth. * Strong technical understanding of sensors, controls, automation systems, and industrial networking (e.g., PLCs, Ethernet/IP, Profinet). * Experience with software-based solution deployments, configuration, and integration. * Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. * Strategic thinker with analytical and problem-solving capabilities; able to implement a structured, methodical approach. * Customer-focused, persuasive, and able to influence decision-making at all organizational levels. * Assertive, takes initiative, and demonstrates adaptability. * Proficient in business English (oral and written); excellent presentation skills in person and virtually. * Ability to travel periodically, including overnight stays, as required for successful job execution. Company Culture Learn more about ifm Benefits: * Top-tier medical plan with no deductible, plus voluntary dental and vision plans * Company-paid Long Term Disability and Short Term Disability, and other insurances * 401K program with 100% company match of up to 6% of pay after six months * Eleven paid holidays per calendar year * 15 paid vacation days and 5 days paid sick time * Company-leased automobile, 100% maintenance Company Description ifm efector, inc., headquartered in Malvern, PA, has earned the distinguished Top Employers certification for 2020 and 2021 in North America for our outstanding people practices. ifm efector is the US subsidiary of ifm electronic gmbh, a global company with over 8,700 employees in 165 countries serving 155,000 customers worldwide. Our core business is the development and production of sensors and controls for industrial automation and process applications. "Exceptional success can only be achieved when the employees believe in the company and when they know that they are treated in a fair and honest way. " -ifm philosophy ifm is a privately-owned company whose success can be attributed to three guiding principles: Employees First, Customer Loyalty, and Safe Growth. With a supportive and collaborative culture, ifm welcomes new ideas and fosters honest communication and trust. Distinguished by their individual capabilities and contributions, every employee plays a role in the success of our business, so that we may provide innovative solutions to meet and exceed our customer's business needs. ifm is dedicated to ensuring employees are engaged, enabled, and empowered to realize their full potential in a positive, diverse, and inclusive work environment filled with meaning and a shared sense of purpose. _ "We have amazing products, but best of all we have amazing people. This is a core value of our success."_ - Roger Varma, CEO, ifm efector