Overview
OEM Account Manager – Automotive Braking, Lighting & Safety Systems Jobs in Detroit Metropolitan Area at Confidential
Title: OEM Account Manager – Automotive Braking, Lighting & Safety Systems
Company: Confidential
Location: Detroit Metropolitan Area
Automotive Braking & Lighting Systems | Metro Detroit
We are seeking a hands-on Sales Account Manager to grow and expand OEM and Tier 1 relationships within the automotive braking, lighting, and safety systems space (headlamps, control modules, electro-mechanical systems).
This role is ideal for a mid-career, individual contributor with a strong hunter mentality, an existing book of business, and the ability to drive new opportunities while managing key accounts. This is not a managerial or director-level role—it’s for someone who is actively in the market, close to customers, and ready to make an immediate impact.
When not traveling to customers, this role is based onsite in the Metro Detroit area.
🔹 The Opportunity
This role owns a portfolio of OEM and Tier accounts while actively pursuing new business in braking, lighting, and related safety systems.
You will be expected to:
- Leverage your existing relationships and industry credibility
- Engage directly with customers on current programs and future sourcing opportunities
- Play a key role in RFQs, quoting, and early program positioning
- Quickly contribute to growth—not just maintain legacy business
This is a customer-facing, commercially driven role requiring both technical fluency and sales execution.
🔹 Key Responsibilities
- Drive new business development within OEM and Tier 1 customers (not just account maintenance)
- Build and expand relationships across engineering, purchasing, and program teams
- Serve as the lead commercial contact for assigned accounts
- Lead RFQs, pricing strategy, negotiations, and quotation development
- Translate customer needs into actionable inputs for engineering and product teams
- Identify opportunities within braking systems, lighting (headlamps), and related vehicle safety components
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and supply chain
- Support program launches, volume changes, and commercial adjustments
- Maintain accurate pipeline visibility, forecasts, and CRM updates
🔹 Must-Have Qualifications
- 5–10+ years of automotive experience, ideally with Tier 1 or Tier 2 suppliers
- Direct exposure to braking systems, lighting (headlamps), or automotive safety-related components
- Proven track record of winning new business and growing accounts
- Experience managing RFQs, pricing, and commercial negotiations
- Established OEM/Tier 1 relationships (Ford, GM, Stellantis strongly preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to operate independently in a customer-facing, field-based role
- Bachelor’s degree (Engineering or Business preferred)
🔹 What We’re Looking For (Critical Fit)
- Hunter mentality – proactively pursues and closes new opportunities
- Brings an active or transferable book of business within automotive
- Strong balance of relationship management + business development
- Comfortable engaging technically in braking/lighting or electro-mechanical systems discussions
- Commercially driven – understands pricing, margins, and deal structure
- Hands-on, individual contributor mindset (no direct reports)
- Stable career progression (mid-career—not junior, not overly senior)
🔹 Nice-to-Have Experience
- Product exposure to:
- Brake systems or components
- Automotive lighting (headlamps, rear lamps, LED systems)
- Vehicle safety or control modules
- Experience opening new OEM relationships or expanding existing ones
- Background in electro-mechanical or motion-related products
🔹 Location & Travel
- Based in Metro Detroit area (onsite when not traveling)
- Regular travel to OEMs, Tier 1s, and manufacturing facilities
🔹 Compensation
- Base salary: $125K – $155K
- Annual Bonus opportunity
- Car allowance
- Full benefits package effective day one
🔹 Why This Role
This is a high-impact opportunity for a true sales driver who wants to leverage their relationships and industry expertise in braking, lighting, and automotive safety systems. You’ll have the autonomy to build pipeline, influence future programs, and make an immediate commercial impact.
