Founding Growth Manager - Austin

The Founding Growth Manager role at Maneva requires strong business development skills with a focus on client relationship building, particularly in the manufacturing sector. A successful candidate should have over five years of SaaS sales experience, specifically catering to manufacturing clients. Analytical skills for conducting ROI calculations, a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to communicate technical benefits in a client-focused manner are also essential for success in this role.

A typical day for a Founding Growth Manager at Maneva involves client engagements, assessing operational challenges, and identifying opportunities where our AI solutions can deliver real impact. You'll spend time evaluating potential returns on investment for clients, collaborating with our internal solution specialists, and actively managing a pipeline of manufacturing clients through presentations and negotiations.

At Maneva, the support for the Founding Growth Manager comes directly from the leadership team, including the CEO and CTO. With an established sales playbook, guidance will be provided to help develop and accelerate client relationships. Additionally, ongoing training and onboarding processes ensure that the Growth Manager is equipped with the tools necessary to successfully illustrate the benefits of AI solutions to manufacturing clients.

The ideal candidate for the Founding Growth Manager position at Maneva will have at least five years of successful SaaS sales experience, specifically in the manufacturing industry. Experience in roles that have directly engaged with manufacturers, such as continuous improvement or field sales, is particularly valuable. Understanding food manufacturing processes and quality control standards will also give candidates a competitive edge.

The Founding Growth Manager role is crucial for Maneva as it directly influences our ability to establish a robust client base in the manufacturing sector. This position is responsible for both acquiring new clients and nurturing existing relationships, which ultimately drives revenue growth and positions Maneva as a leader in AI-driven manufacturing solutions.

The Founding Growth Manager at Maneva will primarily engage with local manufacturing clients, including plant managers and technical teams. Understanding their operational challenges will be key to delivering tailored AI-powered solutions that enhance quality, efficiency, and compliance within their operations.

Maneva offers an attractive benefits package to its Founding Growth Manager, including a competitive salary and commission structure. The company emphasizes professional growth opportunities, along with flexible working arrangements that include remote work and local travel for client interactions.

In an interview, you could discuss the importance of establishing trust and understanding the specific needs of each client. Emphasize your ability to conduct thorough assessments, build long-term relationships, and provide tailored solutions. Share examples from past experiences showcasing your client engagement success.

Your answer should reflect a systematic approach to assessing manufacturing operations. Discuss methods such as conducting site evaluations, analyzing production data, and communicating directly with plant managers to pinpoint efficiency bottlenecks and quality control issues where AI can make a tangible difference.

You may highlight your experience in networking, attending industry events, and leveraging existing relationships within the manufacturing community. Discuss the importance of follow-ups and tailored presentations that highlight the specific benefits AI technology can bring to prospective clients.

In your response, provide details on a specific instance where your sales strategy led to significant client acquisition or retention. Discuss how you researched client needs, devised a targeted approach, and ultimately achieved or exceeded your sales targets as a result.

Discuss the critical components of conducting an ROI analysis, such as identifying cost savings, productivity improvements, and overall operational efficiency gains that AI technologies can deliver. Explain how you communicate these findings to ensure that clients see the tangible benefits of investing in AI solutions.

Illustrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Mention resources such as industry publications, conferences, webinars, and networking groups that keep you informed and ahead of the trends that can impact the manufacturing sector.

Share specific instances where you applied Lean Six Sigma principles in previous roles. Talk about how these methodologies helped reduce waste, improve process efficiency, and ultimately contributed to successful technology implementations within manufacturing environments.

Your response should emphasize active listening, empathy, and understanding the client’s perspective while addressing their concerns effectively. Discuss techniques, such as providing case studies and data insights, which validate your solutions against industry-specific objections.

Express your perspective on how technology, especially AI and automation, is revolutionizing manufacturing by enhancing productivity, improving quality, and enabling smarter decision-making processes. Back up your views with current examples or trends within the industry.

Convey your enthusiasm for Maneva's mission to transform the manufacturing industry using AI solutions. Share how your skills align with the role and how you envision contributing to the company's impact on operational efficiency and sustainable practices.