Risevoic
Automotive Market Manager
Company : Steel Dynamics
Location : Columbus, MS, 39701
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Division
Aluminum DynamicsOverview
This position serves as the primary/key commercial liaison between Aluminum Dynamics, LLC (ADL) and our automotive customers including but not limited to OEMs, stampers, and service centers. The role is customer-facing to ensure ADL’s automotive business aligns with the mill’s capabilities and operational goals. The ideal candidate will help position ADL as the preferred materials supplier for customers and contribute to the company's thru-cycle profitability.
Responsibilities
- Perform all duties safely and professionally.
- Drive promotion and sales of Aluminum Dynamics’ products within territory and market.
- Execute day-to-day commercial activities for our automotive customers requiring experience in pricing, forecasting, technical/quality support, sustainability topics, rebate management, supply chain management, and contract negotiation.
- Develop and support the overall ADL business and growth strategy with assigned OEMs through managing pricing, RFQs, and marketing.
- Build, develop, maintain and expand trusted relationships within all levels of the automotive OEM customer teams in North America, Europe and Japan including relationships at OEM-directed and/or resale supply partners.
- Build, develop, and maintain transparent and trusted relationships with ADL teams (inside sales, field service, quality, operations, finance) to further optimize communication and decision-making that benefits both our customers and ADL.
- Support the ADL inside sales group with system pricing, outside processors and logistics issue resolution.
- Support the ADL field service group on quality and/or claim resolutions and/or corrective actions from the commercial standpoint, including negotiating customer claims side-to-side with the field service representatives.
- Review customer inquiries and RFQs from a commercial, helping verify manufacturability of request.
- Respond to customer inquiries effectively and promptly.
- Regularly visit customer purchasing and manufacturing locations to monitor overall commercial status and assist in technical issues as appropriate.
- Coordinate and participate in customer visits, tours, audits at the mill.
- Assist material qualification and pre-source requirements in collaboration with application engineering, operations, quality and inside sales.
- Contribute to product development and optimization projects.
- Routinely participate in OEM product development and technical service/quality meetings.
- Identify and help develop new customers.
- Monitor competitive landscape and continually provide effective feedback to the Commercial Director.
- Strive to ensure that Aluminum Dynamics is the aluminum supplier of choice for customers.
- Contribute meaningfully to the thru-cycle profitability of the company.
- Demonstrate pride in company products, culture and goals.
Qualifications
Required
- Proven mandatory 3+ years previous outside sales experience in the steel or aluminum flat rolled automotive market.
- Experience with large, global automotive OEM’s.
- Automotive OEM aluminum sheet commercial/technical experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (any), business administration or a related field of study or equivalent experience.
- Excellent analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams without directly reporting authority.
- High energy, team-oriented, and relationship driven.
- Ability to travel frequently (30-60%) – consecutive over-nights mandatory.
- International travel required with ability to acquire necessary travel documents.
- Ability to manage time, manage travel & manage oneself.
- Fiduciary responsibility for managing and reporting expenses, entertainment & travel.
- Proficient in computer skills including excel, advanced excel skills preferred.
- Excellent communication skills, both internally and externally.
- Reside in/Relocate to the Detroit metropolitan area.
Preferred
- Technical degree (e.g. Engineering)
- 5+ years previous outside sales experience.
- Technical and material qualification experience.
- Prior experience working with ALD customers.
- The ideal candidate will have demonstrated understanding of SDI operational and commercial culture and a track record as a champion of SDI culture in practice.
- Experience with Salesforce, SAP Concur or foundation of CRM system
Resume Required
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
Columbia, MS
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Frequently asked questions
A strong Automotive Market Manager must excel in client relationship building, pricing strategy, and supply chain coordination, particularly with automotive OEMs. Expertise in aluminum product knowledge combined with adept negotiation and forecasting skills enhances market positioning effectively.
This role demands continuous adaptation to automotive OEM requirements, integrating technical insights and commercial tactics to optimize aluminum product placement. It often includes cross-continental coordination, addressing quality concerns, and driving sales growth in competitive global markets.
Local challenges include navigating regional supply chain logistics and maintaining competitive pricing amid fluctuating aluminum demand. Additionally, fostering strong OEM relationships in a manufacturing hub like Columbus requires cultural acuity and frequent travel to sustain trust and operational alignment.
Steel Dynamics provides a robust platform emphasizing thru-cycle profitability and operational excellence, requiring the manager to balance aggressive sales targets with quality assurance and sustainability initiatives, all while upholding the company’s reputation as a preferred aluminum supplier.
In Columbus, MS, Automotive Market Managers typically earn between $85,000 and $110,000 annually, influenced by experience and travel demands. This range is competitive but slightly below national metropolitan hubs, reflecting regional cost of living and industry concentration.
Columbus presents a moderately competitive market for automotive management roles, driven by regional manufacturing growth. Candidates with global OEM experience and technical sales expertise, particularly in aluminum markets, tend to stand out during recruitment.
Professionals can transition from market management to strategic leadership roles, leveraging technical mastery and client networks. Opportunities often expand internationally, with potential moves into product development, supply chain leadership, or executive commercial strategy within automotive materials sectors.
Applicants with 3+ years in automotive aluminum sales, a technical or business degree, and demonstrated success in multi-regional OEM engagement are highly favored. Familiarity with Salesforce or CRM systems and a proven track record in contract negotiation and supply chain issues also enhance candidacy.
Sustainability is embedded through collaboration on material qualifications and supply chain optimizations that align with OEM environmental goals. The role supports eco-conscious product development and advocates for practices reducing waste and improving lifecycle aluminum efficiency.
Daily duties include responding promptly to customer inquiries, coordinating audits and visits, resolving pricing or logistics issues, and aligning cross-functional teams internally to enhance customer satisfaction and ensure manufacturing feasibility for customer requests.