Technical Sales Manager - Industrial Automation - Switches
Gables Search Group
Arlington Heights, IL
We are a globally recognized manufacturer of industrial automation components and networked control solutions used across manufacturing and building automation environments. Our organization serves customers worldwide through a portfolio of energy management technologies.
The company is known for high-quality engineering, global market reach, and strong relationships with OEM manufacturers and industrial distributors.
Position Summary
The Product Line Manager – will drive sales growth, product line strategy, and market expansion across the Americas region. This role works closely with international product management and regional sales teams to identify market opportunities, support new product development, and generate business with strategic OEM customers.
The position plays a critical role in shaping regional product strategy, supporting new product launches, and influencing the global product roadmap.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and execute regional sales and marketing strategies aligned with revenue and profitability targets.
• Build and maintain a deep understanding of strategic OEM customer needs through CRM documentation, market research, and customer engagement.
• Drive new business development within strategic industrial segments.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling, upselling, and introducing new product technologies to key customers.
• Partner with Strategic and Key Account Managers to understand Voice-of-Customer insights and customer business objectives.
• Gather market intelligence and competitive insights to influence the global product roadmap.
• Provide input on product requirements, pricing strategies, and positioning based on market needs.
• Support the sales organization with training, tools, and marketing materials to improve customer engagement and project generation.
• Collaborate with regional sales teams to target opportunities in strategic industries including:
Food & Beverage
Semiconductor
Plastics & Rubber
HVAC
• Prepare and deliver management reports summarizing customer engagement, sales performance, and pipeline development.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) launches across the region.
• Participate in global product line forums to share best practices and enhance product management effectiveness.
Key Accountabilities
• Revenue growth and margin performance for the Switches product portfolio
• New business generation with strategic OEM customers
• Successful New Product Introduction (NPI) launches
• Regional market intelligence and trend analysis
• Regional pricing strategy and price list management
• Contribution to the global product roadmap
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in product management, application engineering, or technical sales within industrial automation
• Strong knowledge of automation technologies such as:
Solid-state relays
Soft starters
Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Proven experience selling into OEM manufacturers, panel builders, or industrial distribution channels
• Industry exposure to one or more of the following sectors:
Food & Beverage
Semiconductor
Plastics & Rubber
HVAC
• Fluency in English
• Ability to travel up to 35% across the Americas
• Additional education in business or marketing is considered a plus.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be:
• Highly self-motivated and results-oriented
• Comfortable working within international teams and matrix organizations
• Strong at cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• Analytical with the ability to challenge assumptions and drive continuous improvement
• Adaptable and comfortable operating in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
• Key strategic role supporting global product strategy
• High visibility across international product management and regional leadership
• Opportunity to influence next-generation automation technologies
• Work within a globally respected industrial technology organization
• Strong long-term career growth potential
About the Company
Gables Search Group
Gables Search Group headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio has been a leader in search and placement nationwide since 2002. Our company specializes in both direct and contract (temporary) staffing in all industries and disciplines.
At Gables Search Group, we connect exceptional professionals with outstanding organizations. Our commitment to integrity, excellence, partnership, innovation, and respect sets us apart. With a personalized approach to recruitment, we ensure the perfect match between candidates and employers.
Whether you are a talented professional seeking new opportunities or an organization looking to build a high-performing team, Gables Search Group is here to guide you through the journey. Our success is built on the success of our clients and candidates, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the careers and businesses we serve.