Outside Sales Account Manager - Industrial Automation

About the role

Applied Controls, a SunSource company, is a high-tech automation distributor and solutions provider that educates and supports local manufacturers in adopting emerging technologies such as robotics, machine vision and motion control. It is seeking an Automation Outside Sales Account Manager to grow business across the Pittsburgh, PA territory. This is a field-based, consultative sales role with daily customer visits, involving visits to manufacturing facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Grow sales and profitability by expanding existing accounts and developing new business.
• Build customer relationships and act as a trusted advisor, recommending industrial automation products, engineered solutions and value-added services.
• Achieve sales and gross profit objectives through consultative selling.
• Conduct account reviews to find expansion opportunities.
• Work with Automation Product Specialists, inside sales and suppliers to develop solutions and close deals.
• Promote engineering services, systems integration and customer training programs.
• Develop and run territory sales plans while tracking market trends and competition.
• Maintain customer activity, pipeline and forecasts in the CRM system.
• Take part in sales, technical and manufacturer training and travel the territory.

Required profile

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Technology or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of outside sales experience selling industrial automation, controls, motion control, electrical products or similar industrial solutions preferred.
• Demonstrated success growing industrial sales accounts and territories.
• Working knowledge of industrial automation products and manufacturing applications.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively; car allowance provided.

Required skills

• Consultative selling, negotiation, presentation and relationship-building.
• Ability to evaluate applications and recommend solutions using internal technical resources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM software, including managing opportunities and forecasts in a CRM.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and strong organizational and time management skills.

What we offer

• Competitive base salary plus incentive compensation.
• Car allowance.
• Medical, dental and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Ongoing technical and professional sales training and career advancement opportunities.
• Support from application engineers and automation specialists.