Business Development Manager - Detroit- OEM Automotive

Johnson Service Group

Detroit, MI

JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Detroit, MI
POSTED
30+ days ago


Johnson Service Group (JSG) is seeking a motivated Automotive Business Development Manager -Detroit, MI or La Verne, CA to grow our client's Detroit/Great Lakes territory. In this role, you will secure thermal design-ins with OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers across EV battery, power electronics, ADAS/compute, lighting, and charging systems. You’ll manage customer relationships end-to-end from uncovering needs and submitting proposals to guiding projects through validation and into production.
This is a customer-facing role that requires strong technical sales expertise, the ability to manage complex programs, and a hands-on approach to building long-term partnerships. Automotive sales experience in EV, ADAS, or power electronics is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities:
  • Prospect and qualify new business with OEMs, Tier-1s, and EV ecosystem partners.
  • Conduct on-site customer meetings (plants, labs, HQs) to present solutions and define requirements.
  • Manage RFIs/RFQs, proposals, and sample/evaluation plans.
  • Drive design-ins from concept through launch, including DV/PV, validation, and PPAP.
  • Coordinate with global manufacturing teams to manage builds, schedules, and escalations.
  • Track POs, shipments, and issues; ensure timely resolutions.
  • Maintain CRM with accurate pipeline, forecast, and account status updates.
  • Provide first-line technical and commercial support, escalating as needed.
  • Monitor competitor activity, customer roadmaps, and industry trends to adjust strategy. 
Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of automotive B2B sales or business development with OEMs and Tier-1s (EV/thermal, power electronics, or ADAS strongly preferred).
  • Based in LA with ability to travel 25–40%.
  • Strong knowledge of the automotive development cycle (RFQ/RFI, DV/PV, PPAP/APQP, SOP).
  • Established relationships with OEM and Tier-1 engineering, program management, and sourcing teams.
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (ME/EE/IE) or Business with strong technical aptitude (or equivalent experience). 
Preferred:
  • Experience with thermal solutions (fans, heat sinks, cooling modules, system-level solutions).
  • Familiarity with IATF 16949/ISO 9001 and supplier quality processes.
  • Demonstrated success taking programs from first meeting to SOP.
  • Pricing and contracting experience (quotes, tooling, NRE, LTAs, cost-down planning).
Salary:
$120,000 + bonus commission 
Benefits:
  • 401(k) with matching
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
Schedule:
  • Full-time | Monday–Friday, 8-hour shift
  • Travel: 25–40% (Preferred)
  • Paid time off
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Cell phone reimbursement
  • Referral program
  • Bonus opportunities and commission pay

** Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #D800 #LI-MG5

 

About the Company

J

Johnson Service Group

At JSG, We Understand People

It is our mission to empower people, help our clients reach their goals, and hire motivated individuals.

Since our start in 1984, we’ve worked hard to establish our present position as the most effective cross-industry staffing and consulting solution available.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL with local offices throughout the United States and Canada, JSG proudly serves a diverse range of industries with the right solutions to help clients reach their company goals. Our client-centric approach enables us to create personalized solutions for businesses in need of top-tier talent.  Our dedication doesn’t stop at our clients. We strive to connect candidates with opportunities that match their skills and goals. More than just a go-between, we are a dependable bridge, uniting top talent with suitable opportunities, facilitating shared opportunities and growth.

COMPANY SIZE
1,000 to 1,499 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1984
WEBSITE
https://www.jsginc.com/