Automation Sales Specialist

Lead Solutions Specialist - Industrial Controls and Automation

Position: Automation Sales Specialist Location: Houston, TX

About Crawford: If you are looking for a company who is committed to building a relationship with you, who encourages having fun at work, who is powered by difference, and who is passionate about your future, it's time to apply at Crawford Electric Supply. Known in the electrical distribution industry for being a great place to work and build a career, Crawford prides itself on being a business partner rather than just an electrical supplier to its customers. Everyday Crawford associates provide the best customer experience while at the same time offering the widest variety of electrical products on the market.

For the past 30 years, Crawford has built a culture of growth, opportunity, innovative thinking, and stability for its employees by truly living up to the company motto of, "Whatever it Takes!" through our mindset competencies below: Adapt: Effectively embrace new situation and people Dare: Appropriately challenge the status quo Learn: Learn from others, from mistakes, and self-improve

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.

• 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 solutionsincluding PLCs, HMIs, drives, motion, safety, and industrial networkingwithin 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.

What We Offer You We offer great family-friendly benefits to full-time associates: Healthcare plans Dental & vision Paid time off Paid parental leave 401(k) retirement savings with company match Professional and personal development programs 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.