Account Manager

An industry leader in Smart Factory and Manufacturing Software Solutions is seeking an Account Manager to drive business development and customer success across North America. Candidates with 1–2 years of manufacturing engineering or manufacturing software sales experience may also be considered if they have strong manufacturing knowledge and an interest in transitioning into enterprise software sales.

Account Manager – Manufacturing Software | North America
Location: Greater Chicago Area (Local Preferred)
Remote: Available for highly qualified out-of-state candidates with extensive MES experience

Compensation:

• Local Candidates: $90,000–$100,000 base + uncapped commission
• Remote Candidates (MES Experts): $115,000 base + uncapped commission

About the Opportunity
An industry leader in Smart Factory and Manufacturing Software Solutions is seeking an Account Manager to drive business development and customer success across North America.

This position is ideal for professionals with experience selling Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), manufacturing software, industrial automation software, or other enterprise manufacturing solutions. You'll manage the full sales cycle while helping manufacturers improve productivity through innovative Smart Factory technologies.

Local candidates are strongly preferred. Highly experienced out-of-state candidates may be considered for a fully remote position if they possess extensive hands-on MES experience and require minimal onboarding.
Work ArrangementLocal Candidates

• Onsite for the first 3 months during training.
• Transition to a hybrid schedule (2 days onsite / 3 days remote) after training, based on business needs.

Out-of-State Candidates

• Eligible for 100% remote work.
• Must have extensive, hands-on Manufacturing Execution System (MES) experience.
• Must be capable of contributing with little to no training.

Responsibilities

• Develop new business through prospecting, networking, and cold outreach.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with new and existing customers.
• Manage a healthy sales pipeline throughout the entire sales cycle.
• Present and demonstrate MES and Smart Factory software solutions both virtually and onsite.
• Analyze customer requirements and develop customized software proposals.
• Lead pricing discussions, negotiations, and contract closings.
• Collaborate with technical teams to develop customer solutions.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales forecasts.
• Stay current on product enhancements, manufacturing technology trends, and customer needs.
• Support webinars, customer events, trade shows, and other marketing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, IT, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience, including 3+ years selling enterprise software, manufacturing software, automation software, or MES solutions.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and industrial production environments.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) is highly preferred.
• Excellent presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage long enterprise sales cycles.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Alternative Background (Local Candidates)
Candidates with 1–2 years of manufacturing engineering or manufacturing software sales experience may also be considered if they have strong manufacturing knowledge and an interest in transitioning into enterprise software sales.
Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on MES experience (required for remote candidates).
• Experience selling Smart Factory, Industrial Automation, IIoT, ERP, SCADA, or Manufacturing Software solutions.
• Second language (Spanish, French, or Portuguese) is a plus.