Overview
Key Account Manager – Automotive & Defence Jobs in Lohmar, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany at Walterscheid
Title: Key Account Manager – Automotive & Defence
Company: Walterscheid
Location: Lohmar, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
We are looking for an experienced Key Account Manager (KAM) to develop and manage strategic relationships with our key customers in the Automotive and Defense sectors.
The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in mechanical components and a proven track record in B2B sales within highly regulated, engineering-driven industries.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a portfolio of key accounts in the Automotive and Defence sectors within the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), acting as the primary point of contact for strategic customers
- Develop and execute account strategies to achieve revenue and margin targets
- Identify new business opportunities within existing accounts and support the acquisition of new strategic clients
- Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to align product offerings with customer technical requirements
- Manage the full commercial cycle: RFQ handling, technical/commercial negotiations, contract management, and pricing strategy
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs within the Automotive and Defence industries
- Build long-term partnerships based on trust, technical credibility, and reliable delivery
- Prepare periodic reporting on account performance, forecasts, and pipeline (CRM management)
- Represent the company at industry trade shows, customer visits, and technical meetings
- Ensure compliance with sector-specific requirements (e.g., IATF 16949 for Automotive; defence industry standards/security clearances where applicable)
Requirements
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field
- Proven experience (minimum 5 years) as Key Account Manager, Sales Engineer, or similar role in the mechanical components industry
- Solid experience working with Automotive and/or Defence sector customers
- Strong technical understanding of mechanical components, manufacturing processes, and materials
- Excellent negotiation and relationship-management skills
- Ability to read technical drawings and specifications
- Familiarity with quality standards relevant to the sectors (IATF 16949, AS/EN 9100, or similar, is a plus)
- Native-level German with fluent business English (additional languages are a plus)
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
- Proficiency with CRM tools and MS Office suite
What We Offer
- Competitive salary package + performance-based incentives
- Company car / travel allowance
- Professional growth within a technically advanced, international environment
