Sales Director – Automation Solutions

Sales Director - Automation Solutions

In support of a specialist automation solutions provider firmly focused on modern conveyor solutions including AI based robotics, we are seeking a NEW Sales Director to develop, lead and deliver a new strategic sales growth approach in the UK and internationally.

Based at their central offices / manufacturing site in West Sussex, this position will be targeted on growth away from their core involvement in the automotive sector and ideally position the business to successfully deliver new customer automation success.  Medical and pharma production sectors are of particular interest but also to have an open mind to other industries.

Having ownership of the sales process along with the marketing approach, this role is seeking an experienced senior level commercial professional who enjoys a direct new customer/market engagement approach and can contribute to the organisation to provide senior level direction on delivering success.

Reporting to the Managing Director, core responsibilities include:

• Identify, evaluate and prioritize new industrial segments and business opportunities
• Define the go-to market strategy for product definition, introduction and market penetration
• Conduct competitive analysis, customer needs mapping and market sizing
• Lead the commercial rollout of products with engineering / technical specifications
• Partner with R&D / engineering teams to define and adapt solutions to suit customer requirements
• Deliver technical presentations, product demonstrations and value propositions
• Drive acquisition of strategic industrial customers
• Develop relationships internally and externally
• Development of a robust pipeline through prospecting, field visits, industry events, etc.
• Establish and manage KPIs, CRM, monitored sales processes, priority decisions and performance dashboards - own the sales, quotation and bid related processes - engage other Group sites when required for joint bid / partnerships and technical assistance
• Team coaching for technical selling, opportunity qualification and customer engagement
• Design and execute an annual growth plan
• Build distributor / integrator partnerships if required
• Delivery of order intake forecasting to support capacity planning and strategies
• Recruit, develop and lead a high-performance sales team including a hunter mindset
• Complete commercial negotiations with customers to secure orders

Experience & Background:

• Have an existing experience in solutions sales delivery of similar products, capabilities and services
• Have a relevant degree in a suitable technical discipline (electrical, mechanical, robotics etc.)
• Have experience of senior commercial contract negotiation and pricing agreement
• Have expertise in developing and implementing successful sales strategies with a proven track record in developing new markets and customers - not only managing existing accounts
• Have experience in collaborating with Engineering, Development or Technical teams, to ensure proposed solutions are robust, well calculated and deliver the required customer solution.
• Be able to understand and produce high-level project plans.
• Be energetic, intelligent and professional with the ability to motivate and lead others.

This role is seeking a professional leader who can provide inspiration to the business as they embark on this positive era of expansion and change.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

6904716