Associate Account Manager Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Job Description:

The Opportunity: 

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we're always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia. Join us as an Associate Account Manager working remotely as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life.  

Location Type: This is a full-time salary position based remotely.

What We Offer:

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave

• Opportunity to work on customized, 1-of-1 automation projects

• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment

• Career growth and skill development opportunities

• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter

• Work with cutting edge and innovative technologies

Role Overview

At JR Automation, the Associate Account Manager tracks custom automation trends in multiple market verticals and converts that research into actionable prospecting and new opportunities. The Associate Account Manager is also responsible for positioning JRA as the leading and premier automation, integration and custom machine manufacturing company, helping to achieve positive recognition and growth within our industry, and meeting annual lead targets.

How You'll Make an Impact:

• Understand the needs and expectations of the customers and provide relevant solutions

• Source new sales opportunities through inbound lead followup and outbound cold calls and emails

• Develop order/bookings forecasts as requested using the Salesforce CRM system

• Collect and construct market/account intelligence data

• Use established relationships with partners to further develop the customer base

• Collect and construct market/industry data

• Identify and lead customer dialogue to uncover opportunities

• Achieve sales lead objectives set by VP of Sales

• Collect customer requirements and generate recommendations

• Instill a reputation and passion for best in industry customer service

• Represent the company and project teams in customer meetings

• Determine and document project requirements for internal stakeholders

• Interface with all business units to address customer requirements

• Manage small to medium projects on as needed basis

• Establish and maintain leads with potential customers by effectively employing the highest level of skills with regard to the art of salesmanship, product knowledge, knowledge of customers business and organization and knowledge of JR Automation product lines strategic plans for sales growth.

Opportunity Qualification & Lead Management

• Review and respond to inbound sales opportunities and customer inquiries.

• Conduct discovery calls to understand customer requirements, objectives, timelines, and budget considerations.

• Qualify opportunities based on technical fit, business need, funding availability, and strategic alignment.

• Assess project readiness and identify key decision-makers and stakeholders.

• Route qualified opportunities to the appropriate sales directors, account managers, or business units.

• Maintain detailed records of opportunity progress and customer interactions within CRM systems.

Market Research Prospecting & Opportunity Identification

• Research target markets, industries, and organizations to identify potential business opportunities.

• Conduct outbound prospecting through cold calling, cold emailing, LinkedIn outreach, and other engagement channels.

• Monitor industry news, funding announcements, capital projects, grants, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives.

• Analyze market trends and competitive activity to uncover new sales opportunities.

• Identify organizations with potential future purchasing needs based on business developments and market conditions.

• Develop prospect lists and opportunity pipelines through research and business intelligence gathering.

Customer & Corporate Analysis

• Create detailed corporate overview reports for prospective customers.

• Research company history, leadership teams, financial health, ownership structure, and market position.

• Analyze annual reports, public filings, press releases, and industry publications.

• Evaluate customer business strategies, growth initiatives, and organizational priorities.

• Provide internal stakeholders with actionable insights to support customer engagement strategies.

Technical & Commercial Assessment

• Review Statements of Work (SOWs), technical specifications, and project requirements.

• Interpret customer needs and communicate requirements to appropriate internal teams.

• Conduct preliminary assessments of technical fit and solution applicability.

• Assist in determining project scope, complexity, and resource requirements.

• Support sales teams by identifying risks, challenges, and opportunity drivers.

Sales Enablement & Internal Collaboration

• Prepare customer briefing materials for sales, leadership, and technical teams.

• Facilitate smooth handoffs between opportunity qualification and active sales engagement.

• Coordinate with sales, engineering, operations, and subject matter experts to support opportunity development.

• Provide research, intelligence, and background information to improve sales effectiveness.

Relationship Development

• Serve as an initial point of contact for prospective customers.

• Build relationships with customer stakeholders during the discovery and qualification process.

• Gather and document customer goals, challenges, and success criteria.

• Maintain professional communication throughout the opportunity lifecycle.

• Represent the organization in a consultative and customer-focused manner.

Note: This list of responsibilities is by no means inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You'll Bring:

• A degree in engineering, business administration, advertising, marketing, similar field, or equivalent experience, calculated as two (2) years of relevant work experience for each year of academic study

• Two plus years' experience working in a sales or research capacity within a manufacturing, industrial service, or custom automation operation

• Current or prior JR Automation experience, or experience in the automation industry is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of sales and marketing techniques

• Ability to develop effective negotiation skills, representing the company's long-term business requirements

• Passion for manufacturing and automation coupled with a demonstrated technical aptitude

• Self-motivation to help the company achieve aggressive sales lead goals

• Talent for developing relationships

• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment

• Strong communication skills (listening, verbal, and written)

• Emotional intelligence

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview: 

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what's possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to jrcareers@jrautomation.com. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.