Sales Engineer - Distribution Automation (DA)

Hitachi Energy Ltd.; Walton On The Hill; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global technology company is seeking a Sales Engineer in Walton On The Hill, UK. The role involves driving sales of distribution automation solutions while establishing strong customer relationships. Key responsibilities include defining sales strategies, monitoring market dynamics, and representing the company at industry events. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Electrical Engineering and proven sales experience, with strong communication and negotiation skills. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in sales management or technical sales, ideally within distribution automation.
• Strong understanding of utility distribution networks and automation technologies.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales of distribution automation products and solutions, focusing on volume and profitability.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across utilities, EPCs, and distributors.
• Define and maintain a robust channel strategy that supports business growth across diverse market segments.
• Continuously monitor market dynamics and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Represent the company at key industry events and trade shows.
• Meet or exceed defined sales targets and KPIs, maintaining high accountability.

Skills

Sales management

Technical sales

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce)

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and technically proficient Sales Engineer - Distribution Automation (DA) to lead strategic sales initiatives across our DA products and solutions portfolio. This individual contributor role is responsible for planning and executing the sales strategy to achieve both qualitative and quantitative targets, driving profitable growth and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales of distribution automation products and solutions (e.g., IEDs, RTUs, wireless communication), focusing on volume, mix, and profitability targets for assigned business areas.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across utilities, EPCs, system integrators, OEMs, panel builders, distributors, and industrial clients. Promote understanding of the full DA offering and ensure a positive customer experience throughout the sales cycle.
• Define and maintain a robust channel strategy that supports business growth across diverse market segments. Identify, onboard, and nurture channel partners—including distributors, panel builders, and system integrators—ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Foster long‑term strategic partnerships through ongoing support, co‑marketing initiatives, and joint business planning.
• Continuously monitor market dynamics, including emerging technologies, competitor activities, regulatory developments, and customer feedback. Analyse trends to identify growth opportunities and threats, and translate insights into actionable recommendations for product development, pricing strategies, and go‑to‑market positioning. Provide feedback loops to internal teams to refine offerings and maintain competitive differentiation.
• Represent the company and its Distribution Automation portfolio at key industry events, trade shows, conferences, and forums. Leverage these platforms to build relationships, gather market intelligence, and showcase innovation in grid automation.
• Consistently meet or exceed defined sales targets and key performance indicators (KPIs), including order growth, margin contribution, pipeline development, and conversion rates. Demonstrate disciplined execution of sales plans, proactive opportunity management, and effective use of CRM tools. Maintain a high level of accountability and continuously seek ways to improve performance through feedback, learning, and collaboration.
• Provide expert technical consultation and deliver product demonstrations that clearly address customer needs and expectations.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Proven experience in sales management or technical sales, ideally within distribution automation.
• Strong understanding of utility distribution networks, automation technologies, and grid modernisation trends.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Preferred Skills

• Technical expertise in power systems and DA technologies.
• Familiarity with communication protocols such as IEC 61850, DNP3, and Modbus.
• Proven ability to develop and execute market‑specific sales strategies.
• Strong customer‑centric approach with the ability to identify pain points and tailor solutions.
• Experience working with EPCs, OEMs, panel builders, distributors, and system integrators.
• Solid understanding of pricing models, profitability, and commercial strategy.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards in the energy sector.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce).

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future through innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives.

With over a century in pioneering mission‑critical technologies like high‑voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. We welcome you to apply today.