Senior Business Development Manager

We are an innovative, Vancouver-based startup at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies. Backed by VC funding and we’ve been recognized with the 2025 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Leadership Award, the AAM Supplier Excellence Innovation Award, and the 2024 BC Tech “Company of the Year – Growth”, we are on a mission to redefine the future of AI-driven robotic vision systems.

Apera AI helps manufacturers make their factories more flexible and productive. Robots enhanced with Apera’s software have 4D Vision – the ability to see and handle objects with human-like capability. Challenging applications such as bin picking, sorting, packaging, and assembly are now open to fast, precise, and reliable automation. Apera is led by an experienced team from high-growth companies focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

We're hiring a Senior Business Development Manager to lead commercial growth across the US automotive and manufacturing markets. This is a high-impact, hunter-first role where strategic sales meets advanced technology. You'll partner with OEMs, integrators, distributors, and end-users to demonstrate how Apera's 4D Vision platform transforms factory performance from bin picking and assembly to sorting and packaging.

• Develop, maintain and expand new business relationships with end users, OEMs, integrators, and distribution partners.
• Produce qualified leads with realistic close dates and manage a disciplined sales pipeline.
• Present Apera's solutions to customers based on their requirements and work with the applications team to configure the best fit.
• Deliver outstanding customer service and manage client relationships to ensure satisfaction post-sale.
• Manage and grow key strategic accounts through expansion and long-term partnership development.

• You'll own a high-value territory. The Detroit Metro and Michigan market is at the heart of US manufacturing automation — you'll be at the center of it.
• You'll sell innovation that matters. Apera's 4D Vision technology is recognized by Frost & Sullivan, AAM, and BC Tech for transforming automation globally.
• You'll grow with us. Work alongside visionary engineers and leaders, gain equity from day one, and help define how AI vision goes to market across North America.
• You'll see the real impact. Every customer win means faster production, safer factories, and smarter robots on real factory floors.

You're a proven senior business development professional with 5+ years of success in B2B technical sales. You've sold into manufacturing or automation environments and know how to speak the language of engineers and operations leaders. You're self-directed, curious, and thrive in fast-paced environments where the path isn't always laid out for you.

• 5+ years of B2B sales experience building and expanding a client base in manufacturing automation or related industries
• A strong and consistent track record of meeting and exceeding sales goals
• Experience developing and leading a sales project or initiative within your team
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in an engineering or technical field, or a background in technical sales with a non-technical degree
• A consultative, trust-based sales approach that resonates with technical buyers
• Demonstrated ability to manage and grow key strategic accounts and distribution partnerships

• Recognized sales acumen. You're known as one of the best on your team
• Experience selling robotics, machine vision, or complex automation systems
• A demonstrated ability to positively impact company culture and build trust with colleagues and customers

• A chance to make a difference: Aperians are friendly, smart, and driven to build amazing products; we tackle challenges as a team, we are close-knit and scrappy. Our teams are motivated, talented, hardworking and have both an intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial spirit. We enjoy making a large impact, solving challenging problems rooted in real-world robotic vision optimization using science, imagination, creativity, and…