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
