Drives Business Development Manager OEM within Light Industry

Danfoss USA; Indianapolis (IN); Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a dynamic Sales Development Manager to drive growth in the Light Industry sector. This role focuses on building relationships with large OEMs and engineering firms, leveraging expertise in VFDs and industrial automation. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create tailored strategies, ensuring customer satisfaction and sustained partnerships. With a commitment to diversity and sustainability, this forward-thinking firm offers a flexible and inclusive work environment, empowering you to make a significant impact in the industry.

Benefits

Bonus system

Paid vacation

Flexible working hours

Remote work options

Retirement plan

Personal insurance

Employee Resource Groups

State-of-the-art virtual work environment

Employee Referral Program

Qualifications

• 5+ years in industry sales, preferably selling to OEMs or integrators.
• Experience with VFDs and industrial automation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Target large customers and develop tailored go-to-market strategies.
• Lead cross-functional teams to onboard new customers.
• Maintain Salesforce records of new business opportunities.

Skills

VFD (Variable Frequency Drives)

Salesforce

Industrial Automation

Customer Relationship Management

Sales Strategy

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

BA/BS or equivalent work experience

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Drives Business Development Manager OEM within Light Industry

The Sales Development Manager is a VFD (Variable Frequency Drives) NEW BUSINESS hunter! Accountable for understanding VFD, industrial controls, and automation systems within the Light Industry markets, including industrial machinery, food & beverage, tooling, material handling, automotive, industrial water, and irrigation. Must be able to understand complex company matrices and create tailored go-to-market strategies. Collaborates closely with Danfoss colleagues to find the right solutions for customers. Acts as a liaison, combining people skills and industry knowledge to deliver value and experience. Responsible for the entire sales cycle from opportunity identification and development through proposal generation or quoting and closing.

Essential Functions

• Focus on growth by targeting large and strategic customers, including large OEMs, engineering firms (EPCs), and system integrators.
• Work within Light Industry sectors such as industrial machinery, food & beverage, tooling, material handling, automotive, and industrial water and irrigation.
• Lead cross-functional teams to onboard new large-scale customers.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, service, product management, development, supply chain, and application development teams.
• Demonstrate expertise in vertical markets to build trust and confidence.
• Develop long-term relationships with customers for sustained partnerships.
• Understand and leverage OPEX and CAPEX strategies.
• Lead 'WIN ROOM' activities to secure key accounts.
• Maintain accurate Salesforce records of new business opportunities.
• Work closely with the Channel Sales Team to find optimal solutions for customers.

Job Travel and Location

Up to 70% domestic travel with limited international travel. The role is remote, with candidates expected to travel within North America, preferably located in the Midwest, Gulf, or Eastern US regions.

Background & Skills

Educational Requirements: BA/BS or equivalent work experience.

Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years in front-line industry sales, preferably with experience selling to OEMs, end users, or integrators in automation and electrical equipment, with a background in VFDs. Familiarity with CRM tools, especially Salesforce, and a network within the industry is preferred. Understanding of VFDs, industrial automation, and motion control markets is advantageous.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet all listed requirements, as we value new insights and perspectives.

Employee Benefits

• Bonus system
• Paid vacation
• Flexible working hours
• Remote work options
• Retirement plan
• Personal insurance
• Opportunity to join Employee Resource Groups
• State-of-the-art virtual work environment
• Employee Referral Program

Benefits may vary by country or contract and are subject to change.

About Danfoss

At Danfoss, we create solutions for resource-efficient use of resources, driving the sustainable transformation of tomorrow. We foster an inclusive environment that values diversity, innovation, and results. Our goal is to become CO2 neutral by 2030. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.