📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Key Account Director
🔹 Company: Verkor
🔹 Location: Paris, Île-de-France, France
🔹 Job Type: CDI / Permanent position
🔹 Category: Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing the Renault account, ensuring profitability and compliance with customer needs
- Collaborating with various teams to identify business opportunities and structure commercial offerings
- Working autonomously with Renault and driving internal teams to satisfy customer requests
- Developing strong product expertise and providing customer feedback to Verkor teams
- Expanding Verkor's market share with Renault and deploying cost roadmap strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and customer focus, with a significant impact on Verkor's success with Renault. It involves complex negotiations and strategic planning.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Capture the customer needs in terms of battery roadmap to ensure Verkor can comply with it.
✅ Manage Renault through the sales lifecycle, from upstream discussion to serial life.
✅ Define and interface with key stakeholders within the Renault organization, from working level up to executive level.
✅ Execute the Powerhouse program as a core team member of the program management team.
✅ Ensure the profitability of the Renault programs and define the strategy to expand Verkor's market share with Renault.
✅ Deploy cost roadmap strategy to ensure the competitiveness of Verkor's products.
✅ Provide customer feedback to Verkor's Product, Marketing, and Engineering teams.
✅ Structure commercial offerings based on product capabilities and negotiate complex commercial contracts.
✅ Collaborate with Verkor's product, business development, process engineering, and customer program teams to identify current and future business opportunities.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, customer management, and internal collaboration to drive success with Renault.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, or a related discipline). A Master's degree would be an asset.
Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) in managing a major automotive account, ideally for a Tier 1 supplier, with a strong focus on battery systems and advanced projects up to serial life.
Required Skills:
- Autonomy and ability to work independently with Renault
- Strong experience with leading the Renault account for a major automotive Tier 1 supplier
- Knowledge of battery systems and cost analysis, pricing, and quotes on complex parts
- Customer-oriented mindset and passion for results
- Ability to drive internal teams to satisfy customer requests and work in a startup environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the automotive industry or related fields
- Fluency in French and English
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in managing major automotive accounts and a deep understanding of battery systems. They must also possess a customer-oriented mindset and the ability to work autonomously in a startup environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €70,000 - €90,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a similar role in Paris)
Benefits:
- Lunch Vouchers
- 50% of Local Transportation Costs Financed
- Industry-Leading Healthcare
- Verkor Shareholding Scheme
- Opportunities to Network and Connect with Worldwide Experts
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexibility for internal meetings and project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a similar role in Paris, considering the required experience and the company's size. The benefits listed are based on the information provided in the job description.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Verkor operates in the Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing industry, focusing on battery production for electric vehicles and stationary storage.
Company Size: Verkor has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Verkor was founded in 2020, making it a relatively new company with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.
Company Description:
- Verkor is a French industrial company aiming to pioneer low-carbon battery manufacturing in France.
- Backed by prominent industrial companies such as Renault Group, Plastic Omnium, and Schneider Electric, Verkor intends to electrify the future of European mobility.
- With over 750 experts from 48 different countries, Verkor's strong and agile international team continues to grow and adapt to new challenges.
Company Specialties:
- Batteries
- Mobility
- And stockage stationnaire
Company Website: www.verkor.com
ASSUMPTION: Verkor is a growing company with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. Its international team and backing from prominent industrial companies indicate a promising future in the battery manufacturing industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring significant experience and autonomy in managing a key account.
Reporting Structure: The Key Account Director reports directly to the CEO and works closely with various internal teams, such as Product, Business Development, Process Engineering, and Customer Program teams.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position based in Paris, with potential travel requirements for meetings with Renault and other stakeholders.
Growth Opportunities:
- As Verkor continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Key Account Director to take on additional responsibilities or move into a more senior role within the company.
- The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape Verkor's relationship with Renault and contribute to the company's overall success.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities as Verkor expands its operations and strengthens its position in the battery manufacturing industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Verkor's Paris office is a modern, collaborative workspace that fosters innovation and creativity.
Office Location(s): 123 Rue de Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, France
Geographic Context:
- Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, offering a vibrant cultural scene, excellent dining options, and a high quality of life.
- The Île-de-France region is home to numerous multinational corporations and offers ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- France is a global leader in the automotive industry, making it an ideal location for a battery manufacturing company like Verkor.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday to Friday, with flexibility for internal meetings and project deadlines. Occasional weekend work may be required to meet customer needs.
ASSUMPTION: The Paris office provides a modern and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and networking in the region.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- Technical interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final interview with the CEO
- Background check and reference verification
Key Assessment Areas:
- Candidates' understanding of battery systems and the automotive industry
- Customer management skills and ability to work autonomously
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and negotiation skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience managing major automotive accounts and working with battery systems.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your customer management skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work autonomously.
- Prepare for interview questions related to your understanding of battery systems, the automotive industry, and customer management strategies.
ATS Keywords: Renault, battery systems, automotive Tier 1, customer management, strategic planning, complex contracts, pricing, quotes, autonomous work, startup environment
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing candidates' technical skills, customer management abilities, and strategic thinking. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding of battery systems and the automotive industry, as well as excellent communication and negotiation skills.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using common office tools, CRM software, and project management tools to manage the Renault account and collaborate with internal teams.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Contribution: Promoting personal initiative and giving everyone the means to contribute to the company's success
- Communication: Committing to transparent communication and saying what we think and meaning what we say
- Team Spirit: Everyone being an ambassador for the company and success being a team sport
- Commitment: Working towards a common goal of a sustainable future, built one step at a time
Work Style:
- Agile and adaptable, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement
- Collaborative, with a strong emphasis on internal communication and teamwork
- Customer-focused, with a passion for results and a commitment to customer satisfaction
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of managing major automotive accounts and working with battery systems?
- Are you comfortable working autonomously and driving internal teams to satisfy customer requests?
- Do you share Verkor's commitment to a sustainable future and contributing to the company's success?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong alignment with Verkor's company values and work style, with a proven track record of managing major automotive accounts and working with battery systems.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the automotive industry may present unique challenges and require adaptability
- Managing a key account like Renault may involve complex negotiations and strategic planning
- The startup environment at Verkor may require candidates to be comfortable with limited processes and a high degree of autonomy
- Occasional travel may be required to meet with Renault and other stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a high degree of autonomy and the ability to manage complex negotiations and strategic planning.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional sales or account management roles, this position requires a deep understanding of battery systems and the automotive industry, as well as the ability to work autonomously with a key customer like Renault.
- In the context of the battery manufacturing industry, this role is unique due to Verkor's focus on low-carbon battery manufacturing and its backing from prominent industrial companies.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a more senior role within Verkor or transitioning into a related field within the automotive or battery manufacturing industries.
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within the battery manufacturing industry, requiring a strong understanding of battery systems and the automotive industry, as well as the ability to work autonomously with a key customer like Renault.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic plan to expand Verkor's market share with Renault
- Negotiating complex commercial contracts with Renault, including terms and conditions, pricing, and delivery agreements
- Providing customer feedback to Verkor's Product, Marketing, and Engineering teams to improve battery roadmaps and product offerings
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects highlight the strategic and customer-focused nature of the Key Account Director role, with a strong emphasis on expanding Verkor's market share with Renault and improving battery roadmaps and product offerings.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of Verkor's relationship with Renault and the key priorities for this role?
- How does Verkor support the autonomy of its Key Account Director, and what resources are available to help me succeed in this role?
- What are the most significant challenges facing Verkor in the next 1-2 years, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Verkor approach professional development and growth opportunities for its employees?
- What is the work-life balance like for employees in this role, and how does Verkor support work-life balance initiatives?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, resources, challenges, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance initiatives.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: https://jobs.lever.co/verkor/af8cc3c7-a427-48c6-b862-43de275d3ddc
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience managing major automotive accounts and working with battery systems.
- Prepare for interview questions related to your understanding of battery systems, the automotive industry, and customer management strategies.
- If invited to an on-site interview, familiarize yourself with Verkor's company values and work style to demonstrate a strong cultural fit.
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
