Account Manager 2-3, Specialty OE
LOCATION: Avon / Ohio (US-OH), United States | BRAND: Bendix | REQUISITION ID: 10296 | JOB GRADE: 16
| ON-SITE/REMOTE: Remote
Want to help shape tomorrow? At Bendix, we set the standard with advanced dynamic solutions that drive improved commercial vehicle performance and safety. We’re part of the Knorr-Bremse Group, the global leader in braking technologies. As part of our team, you’ll collaborate with a world of talented and dedicated colleagues whose sense of purpose complements your own. You’ll find rewarding opportunities, diverse experiences, partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity.
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Position Title: Key Account Manager 2-3, Specialty OE
Reports To: Director, Global Sales – Drivetrain, Regional Specialty OE
Date Last Revised: May 2026
Position Summary:
The senior sales position has strategic engagement with OEM customers, driving long-term sales growth, profitability, and partnership alignment. This role owns high-value commercial relationships, manages complex RFQ negotiations, and ensures Bendix/Knorr-Bremse’s global strategy is effectively executed within North America. The role serves as the primary customer voice in internal strategy discussions, influences executive decision-making, and mentors junior account managers to strengthen overall team capability.
Essential Functions:
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and drive long-term sales strategies for targeted customers and large damper business.
- Research and identify new market opportunities for the large damper business.
- Developing and implementing strategic sales plans in line with the company’s goals and objectives
- Anticipate customer needs before formal RFQs and proactively position Bendix/KB solutions.
- Represent the customer voice in strategy discussions with Product Groups (PGs) and executive teams.
- Account Ownership & Growth
- Build and maintain senior/executive-level relationships with OEM decision-makers.
- Lead major RFQ responses and complex negotiations involving new products and technologies.
- Identify growth opportunities and actions to protect current business positions.
- Global & Internal Alignment
- When necessary, partner with global key account managers and global business unit to ensure coordinated account execution across regions.
- Leverage global best practices and insights to strengthen regional strategies.
- Influence internal leadership by providing customer-driven input into product and business strategy.
- Mentorship & Team Development
- Guide and mentor Account Manager 1 and 2 roles.
- Foster development of negotiation, customer engagement, and account planning skills across the team.
Knowledge:
- In-depth expertise in commercial vehicle systems, including engines, braking, electronic integration, and future technologies.
- Comprehensive understanding of Bendix/KB product portfolio, competitive positioning, and market trends.
- Strong knowledge of OEM product planning cycles, global strategies, and customer roadmaps.
- Advanced proficiency in CRM systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience:
- Level 2:
- 5-7+ years managing OEM/customer accounts in commercial vehicle, automotive, or related industries.
- Demonstrated success managing assigned accounts and leading RFQs for existing products; supports complex/new product RFQs as needed.
- Level 3:
- Proven ability to drive sustained sales growth, own executive customer relationships, and lead complex negotiations (including new products/technologies).
- Experience influencing internal product/business strategy and coordinating effectively across regions/global stakeholders.
Skills:
- Level 2 minimum:
- Strong negotiation and value-selling capabilities; able to resolve issues and protect/expand account positions.
- Clear communication and relationship management with OEM commercial leaders and cross-functional internal partners.
- Level 3 preferred:
- Executive presence and strategic influence across global and regional teams; comfortable driving alignment and decisions.
- Leadership and mentoring capability; develops negotiation, customer engagement, and account planning skills across the team.
- Additional skills (strongly preferred): Structured account planning; financial/pricing acumen (margin discipline); complex cross-functional program leadership; executive-level presentations/customer business reviews; CRM discipline and forecast accuracy.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field required.
- MBA strongly preferred.
Travel Requirements:
- 50%+ travel, primarily domestic with international travel included
- Must reside within a reasonable travel distance to a major airport.
Position Requirements:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Avon, OH is $89,900–$158,200 per year. The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type of years and experience within the industry and education. Bendix Commercial Vehicle System LLC is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect positions that work in other states or locations. Provided they meet all eligibility requirements under the applicable plan documents, employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to enroll in group healthcare plans that offer medical, dental, vision, and basic life and disability insurance. Employees also will be able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive 120 hours of vacation leave and 40 hours of Personal Paid Absence every year. Employees will also enjoy 12 paid holidays, and 1 floating holiday throughout the calendar year, subject to relevant terms outlined in the employee handbook. 6 weeks of paid parental leave will also be available for use. Requirements for these benefits will be controlled by applicable plan documents and policies. Employees working on federal contracts covered by the Federal Paid Sick Leave requirements will be notified and will receive benefits consistent and compliant with the FPSL requirements. Hired applicant will be able to purchase company stock, subject to the relevant plan documents and annual bonuses based on achievement of certain metrics of up to 20% of annual salary. This is intended to provide a general description of benefits and other compensation and is not a substitute for applicable plan documents or company policies. Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Please note: At this time, we are not able to offer immigration sponsorship for new hires. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship.
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