Outside Sales Representative - Material Handling Systems

Cogent Analytics; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogent Analytics seeks a Sales Representative to generate new business, build customer relationships, and convert opportunities into profitable projects. You will own front-end sales activity and qualification, coordinating with Internal Sales, Design, and Engineering to define solutions and communicate value to customers.

The role emphasizes proactive outreach, accurate CRM data, and maintaining momentum with next steps and follow-ups to drive growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 3–7 years of outside sales or business development experience.
• Experience selling industrial, material handling, or project-based solutions preferred.
• Comfort using CRM systems and structured sales tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute outbound sales activity including calls, visits, and follow-ups aligned with targets.
• Identify, pursue, and develop new customer relationships and opportunities.
• Maintain onsite presence and proactive customer engagement to drive opportunities.
• Qualify opportunities based on scope, fit, timing, and profitability; maintain CRM data.
• Collaborate with internal teams to define solutions and communicate value propositions.
• Support pricing discipline and ensure opportunities meet margin targets.

Skills

Outside sales

CRM experience

Relationship building

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Job Summary
The Sales Representative is responsible for generating new business opportunities, developing customer relationships, and converting qualified opportunities into profitable, well-executed projects. Reporting to the General Manager or Owner, this role owns front-end sales activity, opportunity qualification, and customer engagement while working closely with Internal Sales, Project Management, and Operations. The Sales Representative plays a critical role in ensuring the company grows intentionally and profitably.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Proactive Sales and Business Development

• Execute consistent outbound sales activity including calls, visits, and follow-ups aligned with weekly activity targets
• Identify, pursue, and develop new customer relationships and opportunities
• Maintain regular onsite presence and proactive customer engagement
  
  
  
  

Opportunity Qualification and Pipeline Management

• Qualify opportunities based on scope, fit, timing, and profitability
• Enter and maintain all opportunities in the CRM with complete and accurate data
• Maintain clear next steps and follow-up dates for every active opportunity
  
  
  
  

Solution Development and Customer Engagement

• Collaborate with Internal Sales, Design, and Engineering to define appropriate solutions
• Communicate Progressive Handling’s value proposition clearly to customers
• Support proposal development and decision-making through timely follow-up
  
  
  
  

Profit-Focused Selling

• Ensure all opportunities align with breakeven and margin requirements
• Support pricing discipline by pursuing work that fits capacity and margin targets
• Avoid selling work that creates execution or profitability risk
  
  
  
  

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate handoff of won work to Internal Sales and Project Management
• Support smooth transition from sale to execution with clear expectations
• Remain engaged to support customer satisfaction and long-term relationships
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience
• 3 - 7 years of experience in outside sales, business development, or account management
• Experience selling industrial, material handling, or project-based solutions preferred
• Comfort using CRM systems and structured sales tools
  
  
  
  

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