Director, Account Management (Automotive, Europe)

Who You Are

As a Director of Account Management with a focus on European Automotive customers, you are responsible for shaping the strategy for customer engagements, ensuring internal cohesion, and cultivating strong client relationships. You will work with our European auto customers to identify, qualify and progress commercial opportunities in collaboration with technical and commercial stakeholders within Sila. You will be responsible for crafting contractual agreements for these engagements and multi-year forecasts, and tracking demand across customers. You will manage a team and coordinate with contractors on a global scale.

Responsibilities and Duties  

• Monitors and tracks demand across various European auto customers, creating a multi-year forecast to support strategic planning.
• Promotes the best interests of Sila by identifying and implementing best practices and workflows for customer engagements. Advocates for a specific direction, both technical and commercial, when interacting with customers. Mentors team members on effective customer interactions, setting clear meeting goals and communication guidelines.
• Drives the strategy and success of customer programs by developing and adhering to project plans, budgets, and timelines. Champions schedule adherence by supporting the team in meeting project obligations and managing customer expectations.
• Works closely with product management to understand customer product roadmaps, requirements, and tradeoffs, ensuring alignment with customer needs.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field or equivalent combination of experience and education; MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• Proven experience in account management, project management, and team leadership.
• 7-10 years of experience selling into automotive supply chains; experience with batteries or battery components is preferred
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills in English. Fluency in German is preferred.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in understanding complex technical and commercial concepts.
• International experience and familiarity with European markets, especially Germany.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, innovative, and customer-centric environment.
• Previous experience in technology or related industries is preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• At least 50% travel required, both domestic and international.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location

The starting base pay for this role is between $198,000 and $250,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.