Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Account Manager is a high-performing individual contributor responsible for achieving profitable growth targets and managing the commercial aspects of assigned programs and projects. This role focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with customers and internal teams, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and goals. Success requires strong business acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives to closure.
Primary Responsibilities:
Customer & Commercial Management
- Manage all commercial aspects of assigned customer accounts, including Ford Sealing programs.
- Track market share, competitor programs, and overall value of the addressable market.
- Monitor competitor activities and significant changes in their business strategies.
- Maintain full-cycle business plans and backlog details.
- Track revenue performance against commitments over the business plan horizon.
- Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve profitability and growth targets.
Business Development & Negotiation
- Prepare and lead new business strategies, driving cross-functional teams to achieve net new business goals.
- Develop and lead price negotiations with customers, ensuring consistency and alignment with company objectives.
- Apply technical product knowledge strategically during commercial discussions and negotiations to create value-based proposals and influence customer decision-making.
- Maintain part pricing matrices and resolve open financial/economic issues, including part transfers.
- Track and monitor raw material pricing and other economic agreements (e.g., amortizations).
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, and Cost Estimating to ensure competitive, accurate, and timely quotes.
- Build and strengthen relationships across internal teams (Sales, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Cost Estimating).
- Lead and develop customer relationships across all disciplines.
- Support and mentor less experienced associates to foster continuous improvement.
Systems & Compliance
- Utilize required internal and external systems and procedures effectively.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support organizational objectives.
Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field, or equivalent education and experience.
- Minimum five years of experience managing automotive OEM customers; experience with Ford and their supplier portal is a plus.
- Strong understanding of OEM manufacturing and assembly environments.
- Technical knowledge to discuss product capabilities in detail with customer OEM functions.
- Proven ability to make commercially sound decisions balancing technical support and pricing strategies.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with strong negotiation abilities.
- Project management skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and organize effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Work Environment/Work Conditions:
- Professional office setting.
- Willingness and ability to travel to company and customer locations, as needed.
- Proper PPE required when visiting manufacturing floors.
- Equipment use requires training to ensure safety.
Position Type:
Regular
Additional Locations:
Additional Information:
Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether personal, professional, or via education or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.
Remote Status:
Hybrid