Business Development Manager - Automation & Controls Solutions

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

A leading engineering and systems integration firm seeks a Business Development Manager to drive growth in key markets. The ideal candidate will possess over 5 years of sales experience in industrial automation and controls solutions, with strong communication skills for effective client engagement and relationship building. This position requires regional travel and offers competitive compensation including a base salary and uncapped commissions, along with comprehensive benefits such as 401(k) and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of sales experience in industrial automation, engineering solutions, or controls systems.
• Demonstrated success exceeding sales targets and growing revenue.
• Existing relationships in Food & Beverage, Consumer Packaged Goods, or Life Sciences preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business leads.
• Act as a trusted advisor to recommend solutions.
• Manage the sales pipeline and maintain forecasts.

Skills

Sales experience in industrial automation

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation and closing deals

Relationship building

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or engineering

Tools

CRM platforms such as Salesforce

Sales enablement platforms

Job description

Business Development Manager - Automation & Controls Solutions

Salary: $80K to $170K base plus commissions

Quick Apply

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Business Development Manager - Automation & Controls Solutions

Joining this team means becoming part of a group of passionate, forward-thinking professionals. The organization is a leading engineering and systems integration firm that has delivered automation, controls, and IT solutions to industrial clients for more than 30 years. The company supports organizations across sectors such as life sciences, mission-critical infrastructure, metals and mining, warehousing and distribution, and consumer packaged goods/food and beverage. With a national and global footprint, the team helps clients design and implement standardized automation solutions across multiple facilities, regardless of location or local resource availability.

The company is expanding and seeking a driven Business Development Manager (BDM) to help accelerate growth across key markets. In this role, you will lead new business development efforts, build strategic client relationships, and develop expansion strategies to strengthen market presence. Successful candidates bring a strong understanding of engineering and automation solutions, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to negotiate and close high-value deals that drive revenue.

Responsibilities

• Prospect and Develop Opportunities: Identify and pursue new business leads, build relationships with prospective clients, and grow existing customer accounts.
• Solution-Focused Sales: Act as a trusted advisor by understanding client challenges and recommending automation and engineering solutions that address operational needs.
• Expand Strategic Accounts: Leverage previous project success to uncover new applications, engage additional plant locations, and build executive-level relationships that position the organization as a primary automation partner.
• Develop and Close Business: Collaborate with internal engineering and project teams to create compelling technical proposals and secure project awards.
• Manage Sales Pipeline: Maintain accurate forecasts and track opportunities using CRM platforms to ensure a healthy pipeline of services and project work.
• Build Strategic Partnerships: Develop and maintain relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to support evolving market demands.
• Reporting and Market Intelligence: Provide leadership with updates on business development initiatives, pipeline activity, and market trends.
• Professional Representation: Act as a strong ambassador for the organization by maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented approach and focusing on client success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of sales experience in industrial automation, engineering solutions, or controls systems
• Demonstrated success exceeding sales targets and growing revenue
• Strong understanding of industrial operations, automation technologies, and customer challenges
• Experience using CRM and sales enablement platforms such as Salesforce, ZoomInfo, and LinkedIn Sales Navigator
• Existing relationships in industries such as Food & Beverage, Consumer Packaged Goods, or Life Sciences strongly preferred
• Collaborative, team-driven mindset with excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Travel and Compensation

Travel: Approximately 40–50% regional travel to support customer engagement and business development

Compensation: Competitive base salary with uncapped commission structure, plus full expense reimbursement (including mileage at IRS rates). Commissions are paid from the first dollar booked, regardless of project timeline. This position reports to senior business development leadership.

Benefits and Perks

• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits available upon enrollment
• Generous paid time off including vacation, holidays, sick leave, and family leave
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities to support career growth

To apply, send your resume to [e-mail]