Automation Account Manager

We're partnering with a growing engineering-driven manufacturer and automation solutions provider seeking an Automation Account Manager to help expand its presence across regional manufacturing markets. This is a newly created role focused exclusively on automation business development. The successful candidate will be responsible for opening doors, developing customer relationships, and generating opportunities while partnering closely with internal engineering and leadership teams to support technical discussions and solution development. This role is best suited for candidates located within reasonable driving distance of the Dayton, OH region, as regular customer visits, team collaboration, and regional travel are expected. What You'll Do Identify and develop new business opportunities within manufacturing and industrial markets Conduct outbound prospecting through phone calls, email, networking, referrals, and other business development activities Build relationships with engineering, operations, manufacturing, maintenance, and purchasing stakeholders Schedule and lead customer discovery meetings and capabilities presentations Develop and maintain a qualified pipeline of opportunities Partner closely with internal engineering and technical teams to support customer engagement and solution development Maintain accurate CRM records and sales activity documentation Travel throughout the territory to support customer meetings, facility visits, and business development efforts What We're Looking For Experience in industrial sales, technical sales, automation, robotics, manufacturing technology, capital equipment, machinery, controls, or related industries Strong hunter mentality and a passion for generating new business Proven ability to prospect, develop relationships, and create opportunities through proactive outreach Experience working with manufacturing, engineering, operations, or plant-level stakeholders Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills Experience utilizing CRM tools to manage activity and pipeline development Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working within a long sales-cycle environment Technical curiosity and an interest in manufacturing processes, machinery, and automation technologies Travel & Territory Approximately 50% travel throughout the regional territory Primarily customer-facing travel including plant visits, discovery meetings, presentations, and relationship development Most travel can be accomplished via regional day trips with occasional overnight travel as needed Why Consider This Opportunity? Opportunity to help build and grow an expanding automation business High visibility and direct impact on company growth initiatives Strong support from engineering, technical, and leadership teams Established manufacturing presence with significant growth potential in automation Opportunity to create and shape a territory rather than inherit an existing book of business Compensation Competitive base salary Performance-based incentive plan Additional upside tied to business development success and revenue generation If you're a motivated sales professional who enjoys opening doors, creating opportunities, and building long-term relationships within manufacturing environments, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.