Client Relationship Manager - Automotive Sector #0610

Our client, a well-established family-owned organization serving leading global automotive manufacturers, is seeking a Client Relationship Manager for their Detroit metro location. This position offers a distinctive opportunity to operate at the crossroads of dealer programs, automotive marketing, and promotional strategy.

As the Client Relationship Manager, you'll function as the essential connection point between the client and a remote operations team, overseeing promotional campaigns, facilitating program rollouts, and guaranteeing flawless delivery of dealer marketing and incentive initiatives. You'll gain direct access to executive leadership, delivering strategic recommendations and insights in a C-suite setting while operating in a rapid, evolving environment where flexibility and relationship building are paramount.

This position focuses on strategic relationship building and program oversight—not sales—making it perfect for automotive marketing experts who thrive in client service, cross-departmental teamwork, and operational precision.

Key Responsibilities

Client Liaison & Relationship Management

• Participate actively in meetings with key stakeholders at client headquarters, offering insights and recommendations for program enhancements
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client representatives, vendors, and agency partners to support successful program execution
• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for the automotive client, managing all operational program flows and ensuring effective communication and issue resolution

Program Coordination & Execution

• Manage the design, coordination, implementation, and communication of program guidelines and training materials
• Translate client requirements into actionable tasks for the off-site operations team, IT department, and management
• Define, coordinate, and oversee ongoing promotional initiatives for dealer programs, ensuring alignment with client strategic objectives
• Identify and address daily operational challenges, providing prompt and effective solutions

Analysis & Strategic Support

• Lead discussions with divisional personnel to define customized reporting needs that enhance analysis and promotional effectiveness
• Analyze business data and monitor industry trends to support informed decision-making
• Provide comprehensive account management support, including internal status reporting, program insights, and quality control reviews
• Create in-depth diagnostics to support the client's promotional spending and sales objectives

Project Leadership

• Assist in the development of training materials for client sessions, including field and dealer meetings
• Coordinate program launches and system updates with operations and IT teams
• Serve as Project Lead for all client initiatives, including generating project specifications, mockups, and proposals

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field, and/or Project Management or comparable certification

Professional Experience

• Minimum 2 years in Project Management
• Minimum 5 years of Account Management experience
• Minimum 2 years in Automotive Marketing/Advertising sector

Technical Skills

• Ability to create diagnostics and reporting; translate requirements into tasks for operations and IT teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Core Competencies

• Ability to thrive in a high-speed environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Positive, proactive attitude with a goal-driven mindset
• Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Self-motivated and resourceful with creative problem-solving skills
• Flexibility and resilience in a dynamic, high-pressure environment
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Comfortable delivering formal presentations to diverse audiences, including senior leadership
• Experience leading customized reporting discussions to enhance promotional effectiveness
• Strong understanding of dealer advertising and promotional strategies
• Familiarity with brand messaging and communication strategies
• Tier III dealer advertising co-op/compliance knowledge and/or experience
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or comparable certification

Base Salary
$70,000 – $75,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Bonus Structure
Annual bonus potential tied to company and individual performance

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• 9 paid holidays per year, with occasional additional days depending on calendar

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

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Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
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Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.