Key Account Manager – Strategic Customer Focus (Automotive Solutions)

Key Account Manager – Strategic Customer Focus

(Automotive Solutions)

Location: Mid-West (preferred)

Reports To: VP of Sales & Marketing

Travel: Up to 50%, as required

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and technically capable Key Account Manager (KAM) to manage a strategic customer relationship in the automotive optics and electronics industry. This high-visibility role involves supporting a market leader known for its integration of coated glass, sensors, and electronic modules in advanced vehicle systems.

The KAM will drive growth across a portfolio of PVD materials (e.g., sputter targets, consumables), thin film equipment, laser equipment, infrared solutions, and recycling, while ensuring alignment with the customer’s evolving product and manufacturing roadmap. A strong understanding of automotive industry dynamics, thin film processes, or optical coatings is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Account Management

• Serve as the lead point of contact for a major automotive OEM supplier focused on optical coatings and sensor-enabled glass components
• Build and maintain strong relationships across R&D, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, and procurement functions
• Develop and execute a long-term strategic account plan, including program mapping, value positioning, and revenue goals

Sales & Program Support

• Manage technical and commercial discussions related to thin film materials, vacuum systems, and equipment lifecycle support
• Lead proposals and pricing strategies for new product introductions and ongoing supply
• Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities within consumables, tool upgrades, or services

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Coordinate with engineering, operations, and service teams to ensure product performance, delivery, and support exceed expectations
• Support qualification processes, pilot runs, and production ramp-up as required
• Manage supply forecasts, delivery schedules, and quality escalations in coordination with internal teams

Industry & Customer Insight

• Monitor automotive technology trends related to mirror systems, dimming glass, sensors, and coatings
• Gather feedback and provide input on future product development opportunities aligned with customer direction

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Optics, or Business
• 5+ years of account or program management experience in automotive, optics, or thin film materials
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; comfortable engaging across both technical and commercial functions
• Ability to manage complex timelines and deliverables in a regulated, high-volume production environment
• Familiarity with capital equipment, technical consumables, or materials used in coating processes
• Willingness to travel up to ~50% of time to customer sites and company facilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or supporting a Tier-1 automotive supplier in optical components, coatings, or electronics
• Understanding of PVD systems, automotive glass coating, or vacuum-processed materials
• Familiarity with PPAP, APQP, or other automotive supply chain processes
• Technical comfort in bridging conversations between engineering, production, and supply chain teams
• Proficiency with CRM tools and customer performance metrics