Automotive Business Development Lead

Design Systems Inc. is seeking an experienced Automotive Business Development Lead to drive strategic growth and build long-term relationships with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. This is a high-impact business development and account leadership role for a relationship-driven professional who understands the automotive industry, can engage effectively with executive and purchasing stakeholders, and knows how to turn customer relationships into sustainable business growth. What You'll Do - Own and grow strategic relationships with key automotive OEM and Tier 1/Tier 2 accounts. - Serve as the primary business owner and strategic account leader for assigned customers. - Develop and execute strategic account plans focused on revenue and profitable growth. - Build strong relationships with C-suite executives, senior leadership, purchasing, engineering, and other key customer stakeholders. - Identify and pursue new business opportunities, account expansion, and additional scope within existing customers. - Manage the sales pipeline, opportunities, and sales forecasts. - Serve as a trusted advisor to customer leadership by understanding their business strategies, challenges, and future needs. - Partner closely with Sales and Operations on opportunities, awarded business, program execution, and future growth. - Understand customer business strategies and identify opportunities where Design Systems Inc. can add value. - Monitor automotive market trends, customer needs, and competitive activity. - Maintain accurate CRM records, account plans, opportunities, activities, and forecasts in Vantagepoint. - Represent Design Systems Inc. professionally in customer meetings, industry events, and business development activities. - Travel regularly to support customer relationships and business development activities. What We're Looking For - 7--10+ years of progressive experience in automotive business development, sales, account management, or a related commercial role. - 5+ years of automotive industry experience, preferably working directly with OEMs, Tier 1, and/or Tier 2 suppliers. - Demonstrated experience managing strategic accounts and executive-level customer relationships. - Proven history of winning new business, expanding existing accounts, and managing sales pipelines and forecasts. - Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Engineering, and other internal teams. - Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing and the automotive supply chain. - Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with executive-level and purchasing stakeholders. - Strong negotiation, presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills. - Ability to understand customer business strategies and translate customer needs into growth opportunities. - Ability to identify market trends, competitive opportunities, and new areas for business growth. - Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple customer relationships and opportunities simultaneously. - Ability and willingness to travel as needed. - Valid driver's license required. - Experience with CRM systems; Vantagepoint experience is a plus. Education - Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Engineering, Marketing, Manufacturing, or a related field. Why Join Design Systems Inc.? This is an opportunity to play a key role in expanding Design Systems Inc.'s presence within the automotive industry. You will have the opportunity to work directly with major automotive customers, influence strategic growth initiatives, and build relationships that contribute to the comp