Aptiv

Sales Director - Tiers

Troy, MI - USA · Director

Sponsorship not specified$30k-$50kDetected 4 days ago

SalesNegotiationForecastingLeadershipCommunicationCollaboration

About the role

This role focuses on securing wins, managing complex multi-year programs, and expanding adoption of advanced connector and interconnect solutions.
The ideal candidate brings deep automotive expertise, strong technical sales capabilities, and a proven ability to influence both engineering and executive stakeholders.
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, global automotive environment with long development cycles.

Develop and execute multi-year account strategies aligned to vehicle platform roadmaps and program launches.
Build strong relationships across engineering, purchasing, and executive leadership within customer organizations.
Manage long design cycles tied to vehicle platforms, ensuring early engagement in RFQ/RFI processes.
Deliver against aggressive revenue and margin targets tied to automotive platforms and programs.
Build and maintain a high-quality pipeline aligned to future vehicle platforms (3-7 year horizon).
Lead forecasting aligned to customer production volumes and platform lifecycles.
Partner with engineering and product management to align product roadmaps with automotive requirements (e.g., high voltage, high-speed data).
Lead pricing strategy, contract negotiations, LTAs (Long-Term Agreements), and sourcing discussions.
Lead and develop key account managers and the Tier1 sales teams.
Number and value of design wins tied to vehicle platforms

10+ years of experience in automotive sales, preferably in connectors, interconnects, or automotive electronics.
Proven success managing Tier 1 suppliers and/or OEM accounts.
Strong experience with automotive design cycles, RFQs, and platform-based selling.
Deep knowledge of automotive systems: EV powertrain, ADAS, infotainment, body electronics.
Strong understanding of automotive quality and program requirements (PPAP, APQP, IATF 16949).
Education & Experience
MBA preferred.
Skills & Competencies
Demonstrated success in design-in selling and influencing engineering decisions.
Excellent executive communication and negotiation skills.
Strategic mindset with ability to manage long, complex sales cycles.
Key Performance Indicators
Revenue growth across automotive Tier 1 accounts

Strategic Account Leadership (Automotive Tier 1 & OEMs)
Identify growth opportunities in emerging automotive trends such as electrification (EV/HEV), autonomous driving, connectivity, and lightweighting.
Expand share of wallet within existing Tier 1 accounts and penetrate new OEM platforms.
Ensure compliance with automotive commercial and quality requirements.
Monitor automotive megatrends, competitive landscape, and regulatory impacts (e.g., EV adoption, safety standards).
Provide insights to guide innovation in connector technologies (high-speed, sealed, miniaturized, high-power).
Foster collaboration across teams supporting major OEM platforms.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Navigate cost engineering, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), and annual cost-down expectations.

Own and lead commercial relationships with key automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEM customers.
Collaborate with customers to identify unmet needs and position innovative connector solutions.

This listing is sourced directly from Aptiv's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.