Account Manager

thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. is a world class manufacturer of suspension solutions headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio USA. thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America supplies products to a wide range of Original Equipment Automotive Manufacturers as well as Aftermarket and Motorsports customers. Our Aftermarket operations are based out of Poway, CA and our Motorsports operations are based out of Mooresville, NC.

For decades, the name BILSTEIN has been synonymous with high tech in suspension design, driving comfort, and safety. In order to expand this position BILSTEIN became a division of thyssenkrupp Technologies AG in 1988, and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2005. This partnership has enabled us to continue the BILSTEIN tradition of excellence.

Summary:

Primary commercial contact for assigned OEM's (original equipment manufacturers) to maintain current business accounts and lead organization to acquire additional damper business. Interfaces between the customer, other account and key account managers, management, engineering, operations and development teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• With assistance from the Director, develops and executes customer-specific strategic sales plans and forecasts developed in line with organizational goals and objectives. Achieves budgeted sales revenue and agreed upon prices within assigned accounts. Drives organization to meet the needs of the account, acting as the voice of the customer within Bilstein.
• With assistance from the Director, defines and implements customer specific growth strategies by consulting all involved parties about pricing strategies, communication and relationship building. Develops and drives a credible and productive long-term relation at various levels and disciplines in order to maximize the value (top and bottom-line) of short & long-term business with assigned accounts.
• Responsible for the sales forecast and accuracy at the responsible accounts. Continually monitors markets, market requirements and modification of existing product line in the development of new equipment to meet changing market needs. Utilizes CRM effectively through opportunity management to provide sales forecasts to the Director on a monthly basis.
• Reports business analysis, market trends and proactively acts upon information by rapidly adapting the sales strategy.
• Establishes and maintains business relations on technical and commercial levels (towards clients and internal departments for both active and passive systems).
• Enhances existing business relations and extension of network proactively. Reports on market intelligence, competitive intelligence, forecasts, account plans and sales opportunities for assigned accounts.
• Attends meetings as required in various Bilstein plants and sales offices. Actively participates in the weekly staff meetings, supports customer visits/audits, etc.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a business or a technical curriculum such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• Experience in the automotive industry with an understanding of competition, target markets and how to successfully develop long-term customer relationships.
• Technical knowledge of shock absorbers and suspension systems is preferred.
• Must possess and demonstrate strong motivational, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated high level of analytical thinking, networking, and strategizing.
• Is pro-active and self-confident.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suites software in a windows operating system. Use of SAP integrated business software is a plus.
• Possesses ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical literature, financial reports and legal documents.
• Can adequately and quickly respond to common inquires or complaints from customer, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Strong written communication skills required to be able to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management.
• Possesses strong mathematical aptitude to be able to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Is able to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to financial applications. Can calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages. Ability to create, read and interpret bar graphs.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Can adequately interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Must be able and willing to travel up to 25% domestically, 5-10% internationally.

The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bilstein has great benefits to offer!

• A state-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
• Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options.
• 401K matching program.
• Paid time off + 13 paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Internal growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounted BILSTEIN products.