Job Description

Bastian Automation is currently in the process of hiring a Solution Account Executive. This role will own customer relationships and opportunity development for domestic automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. This role is accountable for driving pipeline growth while operating within defined automotive standards and risk frameworks.

This role encompasses many aspects of sales, and requires ability to evaluate RFQ requests to feasibility and risk, concepting, estimating, subcontracting, etc. This role will wear many hats and play a hand in developing the processes and procedures of the sales organization as it scales over time.

Job Functions:

• Develop and manage relationships with domestic automotive customers. Become a trusted advocate for the customer's need.
• Identify customer pain points, and evaluate appropriate ROI to develop real solutions, ideally repeatable solutions.
• Lead RFI and RFQ opportunities (including estimating) in partnership with applicable internal groups, external vendors, etc.
• Own customer communication, timelines, and expectations.
• Coordinate internal resources to deliver compliant proposals.
• Coordinate external vendors / subcontractors as required to bid complete RFQ's with few to no deviations.
• Defend scope, assumptions, and standards during negotiations.
• Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting and reporting.
• Ensure smooth transition from Sales to Execution post-award, co-leading project kick-off (with PM) with execution groups.

Key Objectives:

• Build long-term customer trust, ensuring repeat business potential
• Act as the main advocate for customer success
• Prevents surprises by aligning expectations early across the broader organization
• Ensure sales efforts are aligned with execution reality
• Strengthen the feedback loops between customer and Bastian Automation by soliciting honest feedback in a true pursuit to make the organization better.

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 30% overnight travel.

Required Qualifications and Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor of Science in related field
• 2+ years industry experience within Automotive / Manufacturing
• Prior experience in automotive project requirements, standards, and risk mitigation
• Familiarity with the execution process of multi-disciplined automotive projects.
• Experience navigating pricing negotiations with customer buyer teams.
• Must be eligible to work in the USA long term without sponsorship.
• Employees must follow all information security policies, protect confidential data, complete required training, and report any suspected security incidents to support our information security controls.

About Bastian Automation:

Bastian is a trusted material handling automation integrator supporting distribution and manufacturing operations across the automotive, aerospace, tire and wheel, and other related industries – helping them work smarter, scale faster, and deliver with confidence.

In addition to exciting work at a growing company, we offer the following benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match
• Vacation / Holiday Pay
• Paid Volunteer time off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Associations, Conferences and Subscriptions
• Company Meetings & Events

Bastian Automation does not work with outside recruiting agencies. No solicitation phone calls please.