Industrial Automation Account Manager

Own and grow a Metro Detroit territory selling industrial and electrical automation solutions—controls, PLC, drives/motion, sensors/vision, safety, industrial networking, and panel solutions—primarily into automotive, Tier 1/2 suppliers, machine builders, system integrators, and general manufacturing. This role blends consultative technical selling with account strategy, pipeline ownership, and partner/vendor coordination to deliver measurable plant-floor outcomes (uptime, throughput, quality, and safety).

• Develop and execute a territory plan: target accounts, whitespace analysis, opportunity mapping, and quarterly growth goals.
• Lead consultative sales cycles from discovery through proposal, technical validation, and close.
• Identify automation/controls modernization opportunities: PLC migrations, SCADA upgrades, safety retrofits, VFD/servo modernization, networking, and IIoT/edge data initiatives.
• Collaborate with applications engineers on architecture, product selection, demos/POCs, BOMs, and compliance (UL, NFPA 79, OSHA considerations).
• Build strong relationships with plant engineering, maintenance leadership, controls engineers, procurement, and integrator partners.
• Create value‑based proposals: ROI, downtime reduction, energy savings, lifecycle cost, and standardization strategies.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, project scope, and delivery schedules; manage forecasting and CRM hygiene.
• Maintain vendor/manufacturer alignment: promotions, training, joint calls, and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure customer success post‑sale by coordinating commissioning support, service escalation, and expansion opportunities.

• Familiarity with Schneider Electric Products a plus.
• Familiarity with UL panel practices (UL508A), industrial safety standards, and electrical distribution.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering/technology or equivalent experience.

• Ideal team player (humble, hungry, people‑smart)
• Person of integrity and professionalism
• Reliable, proactive, and collaborative
• Self‑starter with drive for optimal performance

• Achieve or exceed annual revenue and gross margin targets for assigned territory.
• Maintain an active pipeline with 3–4x quota coverage and accurate CRM forecasting.
• Conduct a minimum number of weekly customer engagements (in‑person and virtual) to drive opportunity creation.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for top customers and target verticals (automotive OEM, Tier suppliers, machine builders, system integrators).
• Demonstrate strong technical competency in PLC/HMI/SCADA, drives/motion, safety, and industrial networking to confidently lead solution discussions.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with engineering, operations, and vendor partners to deliver accurate proposals and on‑time project execution.
• Represent the company professionally at customer sites, industry events, and manufacturer training.
• Maintain compliance with safety requirements when visiting manufacturing and construction environments.
• Continuously pursue product training and certifications to stay current with automation technologies.

• Ability to travel frequently within the Metro Detroit area (typically 50–70% local travel).
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during plant visits and customer meetings.
• Ability to access industrial environments, including climbing stairs or ladders and navigating shop floors.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25–40 lbs. (demo equipment, literature, small components).
• Visual and auditory ability to observe equipment operation and engage in technical discussions in manufacturing environments.
• Use of standard office equipment including laptop, phone, and presentation tools.

• Full‑time position, typically Monday–Friday during standard business hours.
• Schedule flexibility is required to meet customer production schedules, including occasional early mornings or late afternoons.
• Periodic attendance at trade shows, training sessions, or industry events (occasional overnight travel may be required).
• Hybrid work environment: combination of field‑based customer visits, remote work, and in‑office collaboration as needed.