Account Manager- Panel Shop

Wesa Automation; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Wesa Automation is seeking an Account Manager- Panel Shop to grow its control panel fabrication business through new customer acquisition and opportunity generation. The role focuses on identifying prospects, initiating relationships, and qualifying opportunities for high-volume panel builds in data center, OEM, and industrial markets.

You will work with estimating and technical teams to develop proposals, maintaining customer relationships and expanding repeat business.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in business development, sales, outside sales, account management, or related customer-facing roles.
• Strong prospecting, networking, and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage a sales pipeline and follow up on opportunities.
• Understanding of electrical control panels or related industrial applications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities for the panel shop through proactive prospecting, research, networking, and outreach.
• Establish and develop relationships with building owners, hyperscalers, OEMs, engineering firms, and other potential customers.
• Present proposals and serve as the primary contact throughout the sales process.
• Coordinate negotiations between customers and internal teams and maintain ownership of relationships after the sale.

Skills

Prospecting

Relationship-building

Communication

Cold calling

Negotiation

Self-motivation

Organization

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Be Ready, Be Recognized — Grow Your Expertise Driving Automation Across Industries with Wesa

At Wesa Automation, we provide state-of-the-art engineering, automation, and controls integration solutions that keep industries moving forward. Our team of electrical control specialists combines deep expertise with innovative thinking to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that put our clients ahead of the curve.

For nearly two decades, we’ve designed, built, installed, and maintained automation systems across chemical, petrochemical, distribution, packaging, and other industries. Our services span controls engineering, design, programming, panel fabrication, installation, and commissioning—always with a focus on safety, quality, and lasting partnerships.

When you join Wesa, you become part of a collaborative team where your skills grow, your ideas are valued, and your career path has no limits. Here, you’ll have the chance to make an impact in industries that shape the world.

We’re proud to be part of Industria, a leading electrical provider serving mission critical, industrial, commercial, and government sectors. Backed by Industria’s end-to-end expertise—from strategy to maintenance—we deliver innovative, reliable solutions that help clients streamline operations, boost output, and power the systems that keep industries and communities moving forward.

Wesa Automation seeking a motivated Account Manager- Panel Shop to help expand our control panel fabrication business through new customer acquisition, relationship development, and opportunity generation. This role would be focused on identifying and pursuing new customers rather than managing an established book of business. The successful candidate will be responsible for researching target companies, initiating new relationships, identifying project opportunities, qualifying prospects, and working with our estimating and technical teams to develop proposals.

The primary focus will be on large-volume control panel opportunities, particularly within the data center, OEM, and industrial markets. The ideal candidate will have a strong business development mindset, excellent communication skills, and a basic understanding of electrical control panels or related industrial applications.

What you'll do...

• Identify and develop new business opportunities for the panel shop through proactive prospecting, research, networking, and outreach.
• Research target companies, industries, and upcoming projects to identify potential customers and sales opportunities.
• Establish and develop relationships with building owners, hyperscalers, general contractors, OEMs, engineering firms, and other potential customers.
• Focus on opportunities involving high-volume, repeatable, or standardized control panel builds.
• Engage with customers at various stages of the project lifecycle, including early design/specification and projects with completed designs.
• Build relationships with prospective customers with the goal of becoming a preferred panel fabrication partner.
• Understand customer requirements, project scope, timing, and application to effectively qualify opportunities.
• Work closely with the estimating team to develop project budgets and customer proposals.
• Coordinate internally to ensure proposals accurately reflect customer requirements and project scope.
• Present proposals and serve as the primary point of contact throughout the sales process.
• Follow up consistently on proposals and customer inquiries.
• Coordinate negotiations between customers and internal estimating or technical teams when necessary.
• Maintain ownership of customer relationships after the sale and identify opportunities for repeat and additional business.
• Maintain accurate records of prospects, opportunities, activities, and customer relationships within the company's CRM or sales tracking system.
• Monitor industry and competitive trends to identify new markets and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in business development, sales, outside sales, account management, or a related customer-facing role preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to prospect for and develop new business.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable making cold calls, conducting outreach, networking, and initiating conversations with prospective customers.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while managing a sales pipeline.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple prospects and opportunities throughout different stages of the sales cycle.
• Ability to understand customer needs and communicate those needs effectively to internal estimating and technical teams.
• Basic understanding of electrical control panels, industrial automation, electrical systems, or manufacturing preferred.
• Experience in data centers, OEM manufacturing, industrial automation, electrical construction, panel fabrication, electrical distribution, or a related industry is a plus.
• Strong follow-up and negotiation skills.
• Willingness to learn technical products, applications, and panel shop capabilities.

Physical Demands

• The requirements below represent the general physical expectations of this role. We recognize that individuals may meet these requirements in different ways, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation so that all qualified individuals can perform the essential functions.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds; some lifting may be required from knee to shoulder height or other levels.
• Ability to carry and transport up to 60 pounds for short distances (up to 20 feet).
• Role requires periods of standing and moving, including stretching, reaching, walking, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
• Work may take place in varied environments that can be cold, hot, noisy, or wet, and may include exposure to odors or fumes.
• If you require an accommodation at any point in the hiring process or on the job, we encourage you to let us know.

Additional Information

• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. The base salary range for this position is $60,000- $100,000 annually. Please note that the compensation range reflects the base pay only and does not include benefits or bonuses this role may be eligible to receive.
• WESA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace for all employees. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Harassment of applicants or employees based on any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.
• This job description outlines the general duties and responsibilities of the position. These may evolve over time in response to business needs.