Key Account Manager Automotive

Location: Offenburg, DE, 77656

Career area: Sales & Marketing

Department: Market Sector - Automotive

Apply by: May 3, 2026

What you will be doing

• Manage customer portfolio and key accounts
• Drive new project acquisition and business development opportunities
• Prepare, follow up, and negotiate customer offers and contracts
• Lead sales activities within customer projects
• Own budget planning and forecasting processes
• Ensure proactive collaboration with internal departments, plants, and finance/debtor teams
• Maintain CRM data and support sales administration tasks
• Ensure compliance with customer-specific, quality, and HSE requirements
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments
• Prepare regular sales reports, KPIs, and performance insights
• Support product launches, customer audits, and change management activities
• Manage pricing, profitability analysis, and cost breakdowns
• Drive customer satisfaction and lead escalation resolution processes
• Support strategic account planning and long-term customer development roadmaps
• Lead cross-functional meetings for key customer projects
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of automotive standards and regulations
• Perform additional responsibilities within the professional scope as required

What will make you successful?

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in key account management, preferably within the automotive or industrial sector
• Proven track record in project acquisition, contract negotiation, and customer relationship management
• Experience working with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or similar stakeholders
• Familiarity with CRM systems, budgeting tools, and automotive compliance standards
• Fluent German and English language skills are mandatory; additional languages are an advantage
• Japanese or Korean language skills are considered a plus
• Experience with aluminum and extrusion is an advantage
• Strong sales and business development (“hunter”) mindset
• Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills
• Strong ability to understand and translate customer requirements
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and strategic relationship management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt in dynamic environments
• Good understanding of Asian business culture

Equal opportunities

At Hydro, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We welcome diverse experiences and perspectives, and invite all qualified candidates to apply. We review every application fairly and strive to provide equal opportunities for everyone to grow and succeed.