Business Development Director — Automotive (Detroit Three OEMs & Tier 1/Tier 2) Detroit, MI / US Remote (with client travel)
A leading global technology and engineering services firm is hiring a Business Development Director to drive growth in its IoT and Digital Engineering business across the Detroit automotive ecosystem — partnering with senior leaders at the Detroit Three OEMs and Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers to shape and close large-scale transformation engagements across software-defined vehicle, digital engineering, manufacturing modernization, and connected services.
This is a senior hunter mandate for a commercial leader with deep automotive domain expertise and a proven track record of selling complex engineering services into OEM and supplier accounts. Compensation reflects the seniority of the seat — top-of-band base plus meaningful bonus, with upside for the right profile.
What you'll own
- Sell and manage end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and IoT solutions across the Detroit Three OEMs and Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers — covering software-defined vehicle (SDV), digital engineering, manufacturing modernization, connected services, Edge-to-Cloud IoT platforms, and full product lifecycle management.
- Drive pipeline development and own sales cycles to closure — contributing directly to revenue growth, new logo acquisition, and large-deal wins.
- Build and maintain account maps across OEM and supplier accounts, identify high-value opportunities, and shape go-to-market plans alongside technical and solution leadership.
- Engage senior client executives, engineering leads, and procurement stakeholders to build long-term partnerships and expand service footprint.
- Lead business reviews, monitor account performance, and represent the firm at industry events to build visibility and thought leadership in the automotive transformation space.
What you bring
- 13+ years of industry experience, including 5+ years specifically in business development shaping and selling large-scale technology and engineering solutions.
- Deep domain knowledge of the Detroit automotive ecosystem — Detroit Three OEMs, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, with hands-on familiarity across software-defined vehicle, digital engineering, manufacturing modernization, and connected services.
- Demonstrated ability to position offerings, develop and present proposals, build value propositions and business cases, and structure complex multi-million-dollar deals.
- Working knowledge of Electronics / Embedded Product Development cycles — Hardware, Firmware, VLSI, Mechanical, Test & Validation, and Manufacturing.
- Strong technical fluency and a consultative selling style — able to engage technical and commercial buyers credibly.
- Ability to read market and customer signals and partner with solution teams to develop industry-relevant innovations.
- Detroit-based or willing to relocate; existing relationships across Detroit OEMs or Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers are a strong differentiator.
- Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future.
Compensation
$175,000 – $250,000 base, plus 25% performance bonus. Total compensation may be higher based on experience.
About this role
Filled on a confidential basis through an executive search partner. All inquiries handled in strict confidence.
