Key Account Manager

Overview

Key Account Manager
Location: Michigan, USA
Travel: Up to 25% regional travel to OEM customers

Drive Growth with a Global Automotive Leader
Take ownership of key Japanese OEM accounts in a high-impact, high-visibility role - where your expertise will directly shape strategic partnerships and commercial success.

Why This Business
A globally recognized tier-one specialist in bonding, coating, sealing, and damping systems for the automotive industry. With a strong presence across North America, Asia, and Europe, this business is well-established, technically respected, and trusted by major OEMs. Operating with scale, efficiency, and long-term thinking, they combine technical excellence with a customer-first mindset.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead commercial strategy for assigned Japanese OEM accounts across North America.
• Develop and deliver growth plans, meeting annual targets for revenue and operating income.
• Develop relationships with key customers, suppliers, and internal contacts to support long-term success.
• Coordinate with internal teams to align technologies, approvals, and customer requirements.
• Identify and realize sales potential across North American operations, maximizing account profitability and volume.
• Lead key customer programs from initial specification through delivery, ensuring quality and timeline alignment.
• Own long- and short-term sales forecasting for key product lines and customer programs.
• Support global alignment, collaborating with international teams to maintain consistency in customer approach and delivery.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience managing Japanese OEM accounts within the automotive sector.
• Strong understanding of automotive materials, adhesives, processing, or engineered chemical solutions.
• Familiarity with core automotive quality processes, including APQP and PPAP.
• Commercial acumen with a track record of increasing account value.
• Ability to operate independently while coordinating cross-functional stakeholders across commercial and technical functions.
• Professional-level proficiency in Japanese is essential.

Who This Suits
You’re a commercially minded relationship-builder with deep knowledge of the Japanese automotive market. You bring structure, pace, and professionalism - and are ready to lead accounts with confidence. This role suits someone ready to take full ownership of key accounts in a high-impact, autonomous position.

We would love to hear from you if you are keen to find out more. Please contact Natalie at Walker Lovell to apply:  /