VP of Sales - Automation Engineering (Suburb of Chicago; $200k all in compensation)

As the VP of Sales at Fulton River Partners, you will oversee all aspects of corporate business development, focusing on client relationship management, market analysis, and strategic partnerships. Your role will include hunting for new customers, advising on manufacturability, and creating effective sales strategies. You'll be instrumental in tracking trends in the automation engineering landscape and enhancing sales processes to support the company’s growth.

To qualify for the VP of Sales position at Fulton River Partners, candidates should have at least 7+ years of experience in sales within contract manufacturing or the automation engineering sector. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field is preferred, along with strong experience in CRM software and a solid understanding of sales strategies and processes.

Essential skills for the VP of Sales role at Fulton River Partners include strong relationship-building abilities, expertise in sales strategies, and the capacity for analytical problem-solving. Familiarity with the automation engineering landscape and a mastery of CRM tools like Sales Navigator are critical, as is the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Fulton River Partners values growth opportunities for the VP of Sales through a structure that encourages commission-based incentives with no cap on earnings. With robust support for strategy implementation, new market entry, and innovative sales tactics, you will have the chance to significantly boost your income while expanding your client base in the automation engineering space.

The VP of Sales at Fulton River Partners can expect a base salary between $150,000 to $175,000, with additional commission opportunities that can result in total compensation surpassing $225,000 in the first year. This package also includes the potential for substantially increasing earnings as new clients and markets are developed.

To identify new clients, I would leverage my existing network while also utilizing data analysis tools to track new market trends. I would create outreach strategies that include targeted campaigns and relationship-building activities, emphasizing the value of our product offerings in the automation engineering space.

I have extensive experience using CRM tools like Sales Navigator, which have significantly enhanced my ability to manage customer relationships and streamline my sales processes. These tools allow me to track interactions, analyze customer data, and strategically follow up with leads, ultimately maximizing my sales efficiency.

I view objections as opportunities to better understand the client’s needs. By actively listening to their concerns and addressing them with factual, benefit-driven responses, I aim to build trust and demonstrate how our products can meet their specific requirements.

In my previous roles, I prioritized relationship building by investing time in understanding clients’ businesses and their unique challenges. This knowledge enabled me to craft tailored solutions that addressed their needs, fostering long-term connections that resulted in increased client loyalty and repeat business.

I once had a lead who was hesitant to switch suppliers. By conducting thorough market research, I demonstrated how our solutions could improve their operational efficiency. After several meetings where I addressed their specific pain points, I was able to convert them into a valued client who has since expanded their partnership with us.

I stay updated with trends in automation engineering by following industry publications, attending relevant conferences, and participating in professional networks. I also engage with subject matter experts to gain insights and predict where the market is heading, which allows me to effectively advise clients.

My approach to developing a sales strategy involves thorough market analysis to identify opportunities and threats. I set clear, measurable objectives, define target customer segments, and devise a multi-channel outreach plan. Collaboration with the marketing team is also essential to ensure alignment and maximize impact.

Data analysis plays a crucial role in my sales process by providing insights into customer behavior, sales performance, and market trends. I utilize these insights to adjust strategies in real-time, target the right clients, and forecast future sales to ensure we meet our growth objectives.

Establishing strategic partnerships is vital as it expands our market reach and enhances credibility. These partnerships can lead to joint ventures, shared resources, and access to new customer segments, which collectively contribute to increased revenue and business growth.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a VP of Sales is managing expectations from both upper management and clients. Balancing ambitious sales targets with the need to build genuine relationships and promote long-term value requires a thoughtful and strategic approach.