Key Account Manager - AGV Systems

Dürr Systems AG is part of the Dürr Group and operates globally in the automotive industry and other markets, specializing in painting technology, final assembly, dispensing technology, and consulting. As a market leader, Dürr designs and implements turnkey systems and manufactures high-quality machines and robotic technology. The company has proven expertise in digital and sustainable solutions. Its portfolio also includes production technologies for electrode coating and high-performance air pollution control systems for various industries. As of 2023, Dürr Systems AG employs over 8,000 people.

The Dürr Group is one of the world's leading mechanical and plant engineering firms with particular expertise in the technology fields of automation, digitalization, and energy efficiency. Its products, systems, and services enable highly efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes - mainly in the automotive industry and for producers of furniture and timber houses, but also in sectors such as the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, medical devices, electrical engineering, and battery production. In 2023, the company generated sales of €4.6 billion. The Dürr Group has around 20,000 employees and 141 business locations in 33 countries. As of January 1, 2025, the former divisions Paint and Final Assembly Systems and Application Technology were merged to form the new Automotive division. Since then, the Dürr Group has been operating in the market with four divisions:

• Automotive: painting technology, final assembly, testing and filling technology
• Industrial Automation: automated assembly and test systems for automotive components, medical devices, and consumer goods as well as balancing technology solutions and coating systems for battery electrodes
• Woodworking: machinery and equipment for the woodworking industry
• Clean Technology Systems Environmental: air pollution control and noise abatement systems

Location: Southfield, MI

Position Summary:

The Key Account Manager will be responsible for calling on key OEM accounts, identifying and developing market opportunities, establishing and managing relationships with OEM customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. This individual will be responsible for developing new business opportunities and providing technical expertise in AGVs and General Assembly solutions. Reporting to the Sales Director, this role is crucial in expanding our market presence and delivering best-in-class solutions to our clients.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Account Management & Business Development: Focus on AGV Systems

  • Must have experience in AGV's
  • Independently manage and grow an assigned customer portfolio, ensuring strong relationships and business expansion.
  • Identify and pursue new sales opportunities with both existing and potential customers.
  • Support key clients in the automotive and supplier industries, understanding their needs and offering tailored solutions.
  • Lead business negotiations, from initial engagement to contract finalization, ensuring alignment with company processes and objectives.
  • Collaborate with Dürr Group's global sales including CPM (Center of Competence for General Assembly Conveyors including AGV'S) teams to develop and implement a cohesive customer strategy.
  • Maintain accurate sales forecasts and update account pipelines within the CRM system.
  
  

  Technical Sales & Product Support:

  • Act as the technical expert for AGV's and General Assembly systems, combining engineering knowledge with sales strategy.
  • Provide pre-sales technical support, including product education, system demonstrations, and proposal development.
  • Offer after-sales support, ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships.
  • Develop and deliver technical presentations, demonstrating how company solutions align with customer needs in terms of quality, price, and performance.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, competitor offerings, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
  
  

  Strategic & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Work closely with internal departments-including R&D, Engineering, Purchasing, Production, and Quality-to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Align sales strategies with senior management, applications engineering, and key account teams to maximize business impact.
  • Represent Dürr Automotive at trade shows, conferences, and industry events, building brand visibility and generating leads.
  • Train and support internal sales teams by creating sales materials, technical documents, and training programs.

Nonessential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in technical sales, key account management, or business development in the automotive industry.
  • Experience with AGVs, General Assembly solutions, or plant engineering is highly desirable.
  
  

  Technical & Sales Expertise:

  • Deep understanding of automotive production systems and technical sales processes.
  • Proven track record in developing and executing sales strategies that drive revenue growth.
  • Experience in contract negotiations and proposal development.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CRM tools.
  
  

  Soft Skills & Additional Requirements:

  • Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and present technical solutions to customers.
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken); Italian or German is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel for client meetings, industry events, and site visits.
  
  

  Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a global leader in innovative automotive assembly solutions.
  • Work on cutting-edge AGV and General Assembly technologies that are shaping the future of automotive production.
  • Enjoy a dynamic, collaborative work environment with opportunities for career growth and international exposure.
  • If you are a results-driven sales professional with technical expertise, we invite you to join our team and drive success in this exciting, high-impact role.

Additional Requirements

• Pass a pre-employment drug test and be able to pass a drug test at any time during employment.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the employee handbook

Supervisory Responsibilities

No direct supervisory duties.

Physical Demands: While performing duties of job, incumbent is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close and distance vision. Additionally, the incumbent will be required to:

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work vary based on need. Evening and weekend work may be required. May be required to work holidays. Overtime may be required.

Travel:

This position requires frequent travel, approximately 50%. Travel can be both overnight and during the business day and can be both local and international.

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Dürr Automotive, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

Note to all Staffing Agencies: Dürr has a team of dedicated Human Resources professionals who are responsible for all hiring needs. Our practice is to partner and work with our approved vendors on an as needed basis. We do not accept resumes from agencies that are not on our preferred vendor list and have not signed our Recruiting and Permanent Placement Contract. Any resumes submitted from unapproved vendors will be considered unsolicited, and Dürr will not be obligated to pay a referral fee.