Key Account Manager - Automotive

Our client is a global industrial solutions company with a strong international presence and an innovative technical product portfolio serving multiple industries, including the automotive sector.

To support the continued growth of its automotive business in Italy, we are looking for a senior Key Account Manager who will manage and further develop key automotive customers across the Italian market.

About the role

As Key Account Manager, you will be responsible for managing and growing a significant automotive customer portfolio in Italy. The role is primarily focused on existing customer development, while also identifying and closing new business opportunities.

You will work closely with local and international sales, technical, marketing, R&D and customer solution teams to drive customer projects, manage profitability and build long-term partnerships with automotive OEM/OES customers.

This is not a direct people management role, but it requires strong leadership in a matrix environment. You will coordinate internal stakeholders, lead complex customer projects and act as a key commercial point of contact for customers in Italy.

Main responsibilities

• Manage and develop a portfolio of approximately 50–70 automotive accounts in Italy.

• Build and execute strategic account plans for key customers.

• Develop long-term relationships with automotive OEM/OES customers and their relevant stakeholders.

• Identify new business opportunities within existing accounts and selected new customers.

• Lead complex, technical and application-driven sales projects.

• Coordinate internal resources across sales, technical, R&D, marketing, customer solutions and controlling functions.

• Manage pricing, contract and commercial negotiations.

• Monitor customer profitability and implement corrective actions where needed.

• Support the launch and commercialization of innovative automotive solutions, including EV-related applications, displays, automation concepts and advanced technical products.

• Work effectively in an international matrix organization.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in a similar B2B sales, Key Account Management or technical sales role.

• Strong experience in the Italian automotive market within tapes, adhesives, liquid glue, bonding solutions, technical materials or similar applications

• Experience working with automotive OEM/OES customers is highly important.

• Established network within the Italian automotive industry.

• Strong commercial mindset and proven ability to manage complex sales processes.

• Experience in technical, solution-based or application-driven selling.

• Ability to influence and negotiate with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong customer orientation and passion for building long-term partnerships.

• Ability to coordinate virtual teams and manage projects across different functions.

• Fluent Italian and strong written and spoken English.

• Autonomous, structured, proactive and result-oriented working style.

Our Client Offers

• Competitive base salary

• Annual bonus opportunity.

• Company car.

• Laptop and mobile phone.

• Life insurance and other corporate benefits.

• Fully remote setup in Italy.

• Opportunity to join a growing international automotive business with exciting new products and strong market potential.