Account Director

Account Director The Account Director role is a key role and will be responsible for a key Global Business Segment . The role serves as the liaison between the customer in all matters regarding the customer, contracts, and customer development. Responsible for Customer P&L & Strategy P&L responsibility of a customer driven business enterprise operating in a matrix organization comprised of cross-functional managers: program manager, sales, application engineers, NPI, quality, customer desk, industrialization, finance. Responsible for strategy development worldwide (global account management) of the account, daily management of launches, risk and cost management as well as new business development at existing and unserved customers. Drive excellence in customer service (quality, delivery, value, pricing strategy) and product development for the relevant technologies. Interface accordingly with each functional leaders to ensure a smooth deployment of customer and company goals throughout the matrix organisation, set team objectives and conduct IPMD jointly with functional leaders. Communicate precisely and objectively with functional leaders and other business teams to ensure standardize processes and best practices sharing. Implement agreed business metrics to a multi-discipline team and ensure proper execution : revenues, gross margin, customer quality PPM, new business wins, % past dues, forecast accuracy metrics, % LRR completion, pricing target, homologation target, customer terms and conditions. Manage a business enterprise in a matrix organization comprised of cross-functional managers: program manager, sales, application engineers, NPI, quality, customer desk, industrialization. Meet aggressive financial targets and manage P&L of the account. Drive customer satisfaction: quality, delivery, technology deployment, pricing strategy. Set out 3-5 years Strategy, gain management agreement, and set team objectives accordingly. Responsible for AOP, STRAP, MRR Cross Functional & Team Management Define prioritised list of projects and related cross-functional resource requirements. Prepare AOP according to planned projects including specific capital expenditure. Manage each project from concept to launch following the Product Excellence Process and QS9000 within time, cost, and budget targets. Organize prompt resolution of field problems and warranty issues. Provide strong leadership and vision for future business development. Drive the application of Six Sigma, DFSS and Customer Excellence to their full potential. Report Team activities and action plans on a monthly basis, as well as key issues each week. Maintain close relationship with other team managers to ensure the evolution of the Customer Team concept follows a global approach. Develop and attract talents and remove barriers to performance by implementing robust management processes, tools and resources. Knowledge & Skills University degree economics, MBA a plus Engineering degree would be a plus Minimum 10 years’ experience in cross-functional team management in the automotive and/or aerospace industry Strong functional background in operations, engineering sales and marketing Successful track record in customer negotiations and strategy development English a must; additional language depending on customer (German, French or Italian) Other Requirements Growth and customer focus Passion for the automotive industry and technology Leadership Impact and global mind-set General management skills and integrative thinker Ability to deliver results in a complex environment managing conflicting goals Effective communicator Flawless product launches on time and within budget Six Sigma/DFFS targets integrated into product management and process development