International Sales Manager

International Sales Manager

Department: Sales / Marketing

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: US - Blaine - Minnesota

Description

Cat Pumps is seeking an experienced, customer-focused International Sales Manager to lead profitable sales growth across assigned international markets not directly supported by Cat Pumps U.K. (CPUK), Cat Pumps Deutschland (CPD), or Cat Pumps International NV (CPINV). This role combines commercial leadership, technical solution selling, distributor and customer development, and disciplined execution to strengthen Cat Pumps' global market presence.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on sales leader who builds trusted customer relationships, understands technically engineered products, and translates market opportunities into sustainable revenue and profitability. This individual will work closely with customers, channel partners, Engineering, Operations, Customer Service, and other commercial teams while demonstrating Cat Pumps' commitment to quality products, exceptional service, profitable growth, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

International Sales & Profitable Growth

• Own sales performance, revenue growth, and profitability for assigned international markets in alignment with annual plans and corporate objectives.
• Develop and execute regional sales plans that define target markets, customers, channel strategies, growth priorities, and measurable actions.
• Identify, qualify, and convert new business opportunities with distributors, OEMs, end users, and other strategic customers.
• Manage the opportunity pipeline, prepare forecasts, and maintain clear visibility to sales activity, risks, and expected results.
• Lead commercial negotiations, pricing discussions, quotations, and closing activities while protecting margin and long-term customer value.
• Monitor market, customer, and competitive developments and recommend actions that improve Cat Pumps' position and performance.

Customer, Distribution & Market Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and channel partners through regular communication, business reviews, and in-market engagement.
• Travel internationally to understand customer operations, uncover growth opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and support the sales process.
• Partner with customers to understand application requirements and coordinate technically sound pumping solutions with internal subject-matter experts.
• Support distributor effectiveness through goal alignment, product and application knowledge, opportunity planning, and performance follow-up.
• Represent Cat Pumps professionally at customer meetings, trade shows, industry events, and other market-facing activities.
• Ensure customer inquiries, quotations, and commercial issues are addressed accurately, promptly, and with appropriate internal coordination.

Leadership & Cross Functional Execution

• Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and performance support to the Export Coordinator, including clear priorities, accountability, and development.
• Coordinate effectively with Engineering, Customer Service, Operations, Finance, Marketing, and regional entities to deliver consistent customer experience.
• Communicate market needs, product feedback, competitive intelligence, and customer priorities to support informed business decisions.
• Improve sales processes, tools, reporting, and operating rhythms that increase commercial effectiveness and execution discipline.
• Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of assigned revenue, gross margin, and profitable growth objectives.
• Quality and conversion of the sales pipeline, forecast accuracy, and execution of regional sales plans.
• Growth and retention of priority customers, distributors, and strategic accounts.
• Expansion into targeted applications, channels, and geographic markets.
• Timely, accurate customer follow-up and effective resolution of commercial issues.
• Strong cross-functional partnership, team leadership, and representation of Cat Pumps in the marketplace.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, International Business, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in international sales, technical sales, business development, channel management, or a related commercial field.
• Demonstrated success delivering profitable sales growth and closing complex business opportunities.
• Experience selling engineered, technical, or industrial products and translating customer requirements into practical solutions.
• Experience developing distributors, channel partners, OEMs, or strategic accounts across international markets.
• Ability to lead an employee and coordinate work effectively across functions, cultures, and geographic regions.
• Strong business acumen, negotiation, planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present recommendations and represent the company with customers and partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using CRM or other commercial reporting tools.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally based on business needs.
• Ability to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineering or technical background with knowledge of pumping systems, fluid handling, or related industrial applications.
• Experience with high-pressure pumps, engineered components, industrial equipment, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing sales across multiple countries, cultures, currencies, and distribution models.
• Proficiency in an additional language relevant to assigned markets.