Business Development Manager

Power/mation is seeking a Business Development Manager to serve as a subject matter expert within a product or technology vertical (Automation - Control Systems). This includes understanding the technical needs of customers and the technical capabilities of our vendor partners. The Business Development Manager also provides commercial insight on: taking technical solutions to the marketplace, suggested inventory levels, and recommended pricing strategies to maximize benefit for Power/mation. This role also serves as the primary training resource for internal and external customers.

About Power/mation
With a rich history dating back to 1961, Power/mation is at the forefront of the automation industry. We partner with customers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas with innovative solutions in motion control, logic control, robotics, pneumatics, software, sensors, vision, machine safety, power transmission, control panel components, and services. Visit our website at www.powermation.com to learn more about our history and future.

Key Responsibilities for a Business Development Manager:

• Sales Development: Drive the sales process through engagement with internal and external customers by providing technical expertise and commercial support. An emphasis should be put on educating both internal and external customers on technical advantages, application insights, and commercial opportunities.
• Vendor Management: Act as primary business interface between vendors and Power/mation for assigned lines or technologies. Review product, technology, and commercial aspects of Vendors to ensure that Power/mation remains on the forefront of the industry.
• Marketing Strategy: Provide direction to internal Marketing team for content creation and deployment to drive awareness, engagement, and sales revenue. Develop go-to-market strategies including identifying vertical markets and target customers.
• Inventory Alignment: Use experience and expertise to provide recommendations to internal stakeholders in an effort to leverage inventory for increased sales revenue.
• Curiosity and Innovation: Leverage your natural curiosity to identify and vet potential new technologies, products, and vendors for Power/mation. Investigate and develop proposals for additions to the Power/mation portfolio.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering or an equivalent 2-year technical degree is preferred. Highly relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
• 5+ years of experience in Industrial Controls / Automation
• Basic knowledge of complete automation systems / solutions; including PLC's, drives, motion, industrial controls and sensors, safety systems and networks. Must have in-depth understanding of assigned products to assist sales staff and customers.
• Excellent marketing, sales and relationship building skills to effectively represent Power/mation and promote its products and services to customers.
• Ability to effectively present/communicate technical information in both a one-way (seminar) and two-way (interactive training) settings.
• Ability to manage time and handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequently changing priorities.
• Effective listening, problem solving and organizational skills to effectively interact with internal and external customers, vendors, and sales staff.
• Judgment and decision-making skills to handle customer inquiries. Ability to communicate effectively with all types of people to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Ability to travel as needed, including overnight, to vendors, customers and other Power/mation locations.

Work Location:
This role will ideally be located in Saint Paul, MN or Milwaukee, WI. However, exceptionally qualified candidates residing outside of these regions in MN / WI or in IA, IL, NE, ND, SD will also be considered for a remote role.