Senior Account Manager - Automotive
About Teknor Apex Teknor Apex, founded in 1924, is a privately held global custom compounder with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company partners with manufacturers to develop custom polymer solutions and is guided by seven core values: integrity, partnership, sustainability, innovation, accountability, safety, and respect. Position Summary The Senior Account Manager, Automotive is responsible for driving profitable growth of Teknor Apex’s EP&E product portfolio (TPE, TPV, and ETP) within the automotive market segment. This role manages an assigned territory and customer base while identifying, developing, and winning new business with automotive OEMs, processors, contract manufacturers, and strategic partners. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of complex sales cycles, automotive commercialization timelines, and the technical, quality, and regulatory requirements that influence purchasing decisions. Success in this role requires the ability to drive material specifications at OEMs and Tier suppliers while building and sustaining relationships with processors across key application areas, including sealing systems, under-the-hood components, interiors, and suspension systems. This position collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, Technology, Operations, and Finance to deliver value-driven solutions and achieve business objectives. Key Responsibilities Own and grow business within assigned accounts and territory, including key customer and specification relationships. Develop and maintain strong, multi-level relationships across customer organizations, including procurement, engineering, manufacturing, commercial, and executive stakeholders. Identify, develop, and commercialize new business opportunities with both existing and prospective customers. Drive specification positioning with OEMs and Tier suppliers to support long-term growth. Build and execute strategic Key Account and Prospect Plans, including clear tactical actions to achieve revenue and profitability targets. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver customer-focused solutions and successful commercialization outcomes. Analyze pricing strategies and ensure alignment with profitability objectives in partnership with management. Translate customer performance and processing requirements into value-based material recommendations and compelling commercial proposals. Gather and communicate competitive intelligence, including market trends, pricing dynamics, product developments, and regulatory changes. Represent Teknor Apex at trade shows, industry events, customer meetings, and internal sales forums. Prepare and deliver effective sales and technical presentations that differentiate Teknor Apex solutions and advance opportunities. Support management in strategic business reviews, product line reviews, and contract development for key accounts. Mentor and support the development of other commercial team members as appropriate. Collaborate closely with Marketing, New Business Development, and Technology teams to support global initiatives. Perform additional duties as assigned. Qualifications Minimum of 7 years of successful B2B sales experience, with a demonstrated track record of profitable growth in plastics, chemicals, or related industries. Proven success managing complex accounts and navigating long sales cycles. Strong knowledge of the automotive market, including development processes and applications. Understanding of polymer compounding, extrusion, and injection molding is preferred. Ability to deliver technical product guidance and apply value-based selling methodologies. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; additional language skills are a plus. Highly self-motivated with strong accountability and time management skills. Demonstrated strength in planning, forecasting, budgeting, account strategy, and pipeline management. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint and Excel) and CRM/account management tools. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; technical degree (engineering, chemistry, polymer/materials science, or related field) preferred. Willingness to travel regularly within the assigned territory; valid driver’s license required. Success Profile Customer-focused with high integrity and trustworthiness Technically curious with a desire to deeply understand applications Collaborative and effective across cross-functional teams Resilient, persistent, and results-driven Strong listener with clear and confident communication skills Team-oriented with the ability to build lasting relationships internally and externally Physical Requirements Ability to perform essential job functions in compliance with ADA, FMLA, and applicable regulations Regular and reliable attendance Ability to lift and carry up to 15 lbs Ability to communicate effectively via phone and virtual platforms Equal Opportunity Employer Teknor Apex is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local laws. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.