Automation Sales Specialist

There’s a Place for You at Crawford Electric Supply.

A career at Crawford Electric Supply is more than a job. You’re investing in a brighter, more sustainable future together and joining a team that makes a real difference for our customers. Crawford Electric Supply offers electrical products and services to contractors. If it helps bring electricity to an office, home, factory or other building – you can find it here. We operate throughout the southeast region of the United States, and are part of the Sonepar group, the world’s #1 electrical distributor with over 45,000 associates around the globe.

Being “Powered by Difference” means we respect and value diverse perspectives.  Crawford Electric Supply we offer a supportive culture and great benefits, and as part of the larger Sonepar group, we can offer exciting opportunities to grow your career. 

It’s time to energize your future!  Don’t miss out on this electrifying opportunity – apply today! Stay connected with us – follow our journey, job openings, and latest news on LinkedIn and Facebook .

Automation Sales Specialist - OEM

Branch Location

Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Automation Sales Specialist – OEM is responsible for driving growth of industrial controls and automation solutions with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This role focuses on early engagement in the machine design lifecycle to influence platform selection, standardization, and long‑term solution adoption. The specialist partners closely with Automation Application Engineers and the broader sales team to deliver scalable, repeatable automation solutions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• OEM Account Development & Growth: Develop and expand relationships with OEM customers by identifying design‑in opportunities, platform standardization initiatives, and long‑term automation strategies.
• Solution‑Based Sales Leadership: Lead the commercial sales process for automation opportunities, coordinating technical support from Automation Application Engineers while maintaining ownership of opportunity strategy, pricing, and closure.
• Platform Positioning & Design‑In: Position industrial controls and automation solutions—including PLCs, HMIs, drives, motion, safety, and industrial networking—within OEM machine architectures to support scalable and repeatable designs.
• Sales Team Partnership & OEM Support: Partner with existing sales team members to support established OEM customers by providing automation expertise, assisting with design‑in efforts, and identifying expansion opportunities while respecting existing account ownership.
• Market & Competitive Awareness: Maintain awareness of OEM market trends, machine standards, and competitive automation platforms to strengthen solution positioning and customer value.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or related field
  (or equivalent relevant experience)
• Experience: 5+ years in industrial automation sales, OEM business development, or technical sales. Experience working with machine builders or OEM customers preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of industrial automation technologies including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, and industrial communications. Familiarity with leading automation platforms and competitive solutions.
• Professional Skills: Strong consultative selling and relationship‑building skills with the ability to manage long sales cycles and influence early design decisions. Effective communication with both technical and commercial stakeholders.

Environment

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Crawford is an equal opportunity employer

Crawford is a subsidiary of Sonepar USA.

What We Offer You

We offer great family-friendly benefits to full-time associates:

• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

We’re proud to be a military-friendly company, and our many employee resource groups (ERGs) help you make connections and feel supported.

Ready to join the fun? Apply today and become part of the Crawford Crew – where we work hard, laugh often, and always have a spark to share! 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call View phone number on career.sonepar.com or email View email address on career.sonepar.com .

EEO is the Law

Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. To learn more, Click here .

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here .

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