Strategic Account Manager - Automotive (MI)

Balluff is seeking a Strategic Account Manager focused on the automotive industry and the key accounts that define the market (end users, OEMs, system integrators, consultants, etc. The position is based in Detroit, MI.

Responsibilities
• Execute Balluff’s strategy for defined industry; penetrate targeted southern automotive industry accounts, as well as major projects.
• Achieve annual revenue targets
• Initiate sales activity with top level management in target industry accounts and coordinate cross functional sales team.
• Become subject matter expert (SME) for selected industry. Support OEM teams as SME, as needed.
• Discover and validate total cost of ownership (TCO) differentiators within target industry accounts.
• Understand target market product trends and specifications and communicate requirements to Industry Management groups.
• Recommend focused marketing activities for the target industry and target accounts.
• Manage partnerships with internal & external resources at Balluff to accomplish objectives. Leverage globalization.
• Provide global coordination of southern automotive industry key accounts.
• Perform other job functions as assigned.

Requirements
• 25-50% overnight travel within assigned geography, with occasional overseas travel
• Knowledge of and belief in formal sales processes
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience
• 5+ years’ experience in the defined market: automotive OEM’s, end-users, SI’s, and consultants, with in-depth knowledge of application, manufacturing and/or engineering processes
• Significant network of contacts, and ability to network in the defined market
• Demonstrated ability in strategic planning and execution
• Excellent interpersonal skills and presence to deal effectively with senior-level contacts
• Excellent communication skills, including large group presentation skills
• Ability to learn Balluff’s products and recommend technical applications to meet customer needs
• Computer proficiency – Microsoft Office, SAP
• Sales experience with some or all of the following:
  o PLC’s, HMI’s, Industrial PC’s. Software, and interfaces
  o Motion Control (Servo) and CNC's
  o VFD (Inverters)
  o Robots
  o Complimentary products/solutions