Area Sales Manager

Cognex Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognex Corporation seeks an experienced field sales professional to drive Cognex Vision Solutions across Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL. You will partner with the District Sales Manager, manage a defined territory, and ensure the entire sensor portfolio is sold within strategic accounts.

The role requires 5-7+ years in technical sales, a proven track record in machine vision or automation, and the ability to exceed quotas through strategic account planning and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of technical sales experience in machine vision or industrial automation.
• Proven ability to exceed sales targets in a structured process.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience selling to production managers and engineers.
• Proficiency with CRM and sales tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Forecast and close vision solutions with end users, partners, and OEMs.
• Demonstrate Cognex products and use the Burn Grass/Delta Sell process.
• Follow up on sales leads and schedule customer visits.
• Collaborate with Sensor Sales Engineer to sell into strategic accounts.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for vision and sensor solutions.
• Pass sensor opportunities to the Sensor Sales Engineer.
• Coordinate with ASPs to train on positioning and selling Cognex products.
• Support trade shows and marketing events; maintain SalesBook records.

Skills

Industrial automation sales

Solutions-based selling

Account management

Sales forecasting

MS Windows proficiency

Education

Technical degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About us- Cognex is the largest, most successful and recognized global player in industrial machine vision! We are a financially strong, international company with no debt and have been in business for over 40 years. Using advanced optics, image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image then analyze it to make sense of what’s being seen. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, guided by our "Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast" culture, which celebrates employee innovation, determination, and dedication in a dynamic, fun, and distinctive atmosphere.

Position Overview

• This position is responsible for the field sales of Cognex Vision Solutions. This is a sales role for a defined territory and/or set of end users, partners, and OEMs. While the primary focus is on vision opportunities, the Account Manager is responsible for ensuring that the entire sensor portfolio is sold within strategic accounts.
• The employee will work closely with the District Sales Manager to develop account strategies and tactics and will be responsible for exceeding an assigned quota while expanding Cognex’s presence within existing and newly identified accounts.
• In addition, this position will collaborate with Sales and Product Marketing teams on strategic opportunities where cross-functional engagement is required to secure business. The successful candidate will embody Cognex’s core values, including Work Hard, Play Hard and Move Fast. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed by management.

Territory & Leadership

• Territory: Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL
• Leadership Responsibility: 8 direct reports (3 TSEs and 5 ASEs)

Essential Functions

• Properly forecast and close vision solutions with end users, partners, and OEMs.
• Effectively demonstrate products and utilize the Burn Grass/Delta Sell sales process.
• Follow up on sales leads and schedule customer visits.
• Work closely with the Sensor Sales Engineer to ensure all Cognex products are sold into strategic accounts.
• Generate and pass sensor opportunities to the Sensor Sales Engineer.
• Partner with ASPs to ensure they are properly trained on positioning and selling Cognex products.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for vision and sensor solutions within Most Wanted Accounts.
• Utilize the 6 Bullets sales process to win large strategic opportunities.
• Conduct product and solution demonstrations at customer sites.
• Collaborate with counterparts in other territories on multi-territory opportunities.
• Follow up on customer inquiries, understand requirements, and differentiate Cognex solutions.
• Assist at trade shows and marketing events.
• Coordinate evaluations with the Applications Engineering team.
• Maintain project information within SalesBook.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven track record of sales success within industrial automation.
• Demonstrated success in a solutions-based sales environment.
• Consistent use of a structured sales process to exceed targets.
• Strong PC proficiency and working knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Technical degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven sales experience with a history of exceeding sales targets.
• Experience selling technical products and solutions to production managers and engineers.
• 5-7+ years of technical sales experience, ideally within machine vision, industrial automation, sensors, or related technologies