New Business Development Representative – Automotive (Powertrain)
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Overview
Job Description
New Business Development Representative – Automotive ( Powertrain)
Romulus, MI 48174
Total position: 2
Relocation assistance: No
Visa sponsorship eligibility: No
Compensation: Top 10% of industry
Currently have 2 openings, including one backfill and one newly created position. These are new roles, as one of the individuals just left for another opportunity, and they anticipate additional sales hiring as the business expands.
The ideal candidate should have approximately 5–10 years of relevant automotive or industrial sales experience, Strong understanding of ICE powertrain systems with a strong preference for candidates who have sold metal components such as castings, forgings, engine parts, pistons, liners, brakes, or similar products directly to OEMs. Need years of experience supporting global automotive OEMs through strategic sourcing, commercial negotiations, supplier relationship management,
Candidates should understand the RFQ process and be able to clearly explain how they personally secured new business and contributed to year-over-year account growth.
Target companies/backgrounds include organizations such as BorgWarner, Dana, Nemak, Cummins, MAHLE, Tenneco, GKN, KS/Rheinmetall, and similar automotive suppliers. Experience selling to Japanese OEMs would be a major plus, as they are looking to expand further into that market. Employment stability is also very important to the president, so we should avoid candidates with frequent short-term moves.
A few additional details:
Work environment: Fully onsite; this is not a remote position.
Travel: Listed at 40%, although actual travel is typically closer to 30% or less. Travel may be slightly heavier during the first year while building customer relationships.
Team structure: New Sales Director starting October 1, with approximately three salespeople on the team.
Territory: Accounts are assigned primarily by customer rather than geographic region.
Customers/contacts: Primarily purchasing, buyers, and engineering contacts at OEMs and automotive suppliers, along with customers in generator, marine, and military markets.
Interview process: One In-person interview with the company president, generally around one hour.
Key traits: Strong hunter mentality, energetic, persistent, dependable, and highly motivated to grow existing accounts and win new business.
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Tuition reimbursement
About the job
Client is a Tier One and Tier Two automotive supplier specializing in ICE Powertrain solutions. We are seeking a motivated New Business Development Representative. This role involves maintaining select customer relationships while actively identifying and developing new customers and new accounts. Automotive industry experience is required.
Role overview You will manage a defined group of customer relationships while also pursuing new business opportunities with prospective customers. The focus is on expanding our customer base, identifying new programs, and converting opportunities into long-term business.
Key responsibilities
Maintain and grow relationships with assigned customers
Identify and pursue new customers, new accounts, and new business opportunities Develop and execute new business and market entry strategies
Lead customer meetings, presentations, and negotiations
Build and manage a strong sales pipeline and activity reporting
Represent the company at customer visits, industry events, and trade shows
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure customer needs are met
What we're looking for
Must have experience with the Tier 1/Tier 2 OEM automotive industry
Strong understanding of ICE powertrain systems. i.e. (cylinder liners, piston rings, castings, forgings, braking components, and related powertrain products)
Proven sales experience with the ability to demonstrate successful deal closures
Demonstrated negotiation skills, including the ability to influence outcomes and reach mutually beneficial agreements
Experience with RFQ processes, customer quotations, sourcing activities, and program awards
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working independently
Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 40%)
5-10+ years' experience
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