Account Manager (m/f/d)

About GKN Automotive

GKN Automotive is a worldleading global automotive technology company at the forefront of innovation. Its origins date back to 1759 and for the last 70 years it has been putting key technologies into series production.

We are the trusted partner for most of the worlds automotive companies specialising in developing building and supplying marketleading drive systems and advanced ePowertrain technologies.

GKN Automotive is part of Dowlais Group plc a specialist engineering group focused on the automotive sector.

Role Purpose

The Account Manager acts as the primary point of contact for all commercial activities related to a dedicated OES customer base. This role ensures that customer requirementsincluding inquiries concerns and business opportunitiesare effectively managed. The focus is on continuously improving customer profitability and proactively mitigating potential issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent the customer within GKN Automotive by sharing relevant information with internal functions and ensuring followup on customer matters.
• Identify and pursue repricing opportunities throughout the part lifecycle to address margin risks.
• Align customer strategies with relevant serial production account managers.
• Maintain accurate customer records (e.g. pricing contracts) and ensure coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Review customer RFQs and related documents coordinate feasibility and contractual checks with the relevant departments and support documentation for audits (e.g. ISO).
• Prepare quotations and technical/commercial offers.
• Contribute to account planning processes such as the 5Year Plan budgeting and demand planning.
• Monitor sales performance versus budget; analyze deviations and recommend corrective actions.
• Understand and review customer contracts and agreements and seek legal input where needed.
• Follow internal authorization and escalation procedures aligning priorities with the Account Director.
• Comply with GKN Automotives standard processes policies and corporate guidelines (e.g. Health & Safety Environmental AntiBribery & Corruption).
• Develop and maintain an indepth understanding of the customers technical and strategic requirements market positioning purchasing behavior and competitive landscape.
• Foster strong relationships with customers through regular visits and participation in technical events.
• Track and improve customer satisfaction and perception of GKN Automotive.
• Lead or participate in commercial negotiations (e.g. pricing design changes supply chain shifts) including preparation of detailed sales plans and supporting documentation.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelors degree in business engineering or another relevant fieldor equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in the automotive industry or related technical/commercial environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage interpret and summarize complex data sets (cost budget market data).
• Ability to develop business cases and evaluate financial scenarios.
• Proficiency in Excel and business systems.
• Knowledge of demand planning pricing strategies budgeting and cost analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in customerfacing roles and commercial negotiations.
• Strong skills in using detailed cost models to support decisionmaking.
• Fluency in English is required; German language skills are an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required by the role. GKN Automotive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
• High level of initiative resilience logical thinking and proactive communication.

What We Offer

• Flexible working hours and a flextime model to support a healthy balance between work and personal life.
• A competitive compensation package based on the IG Metall collective agreement for North RhineWestphalia including holiday and Christmas bonuses.
• A challenging dynamic and varied role within a supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Attractive employee benefits including a company pension scheme and supplementary health insurance.
• The option to work from home depending on role requirements.
• Free onsite parking.
• Complimentary hot beverages and access to water dispensers.