Technical Sales Account Manager - Controls and Automation
Job Description
About the Role
Foresight Automation and Custom Machines is seeking a technically driven Technical Sales Account Manager to join our growing team. This role is ideal for a controls or industrial automation professional who is ready to apply their hands-on technical background in a customer-facing capacity — and who thrives on solving complex problems for industrial clients.
The Technical Sales Account Manager will be the technical face of Foresight to our customers, working directly with plant engineers and operations teams to assess needs, scope solutions, and deliver automation technology that drives measurable results. You will work side-by-side with our engineering and project management teams throughout the entire sales cycle — from first contact through proposal, negotiation, and close.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct site visits and application assessments to understand customer equipment, processes, and control system requirements.
- Develop technical proposals, bills of material, and project cost estimates in collaboration with Foresight’s controls engineers and project managers.
- Prepare Statements of Work (SOWs) that clearly define project scope, deliverables, schedule, and assumptions for each engagement.
- Scope and present automation solutions including PLC/HMI systems, VFD and motor control, custom machinery, and system integration.
- Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation and prospecting to contract negotiation and close.
- Build and maintain strong long-term relationships with plant engineers, maintenance managers, and operations leadership at key accounts.
- Identify new business opportunities and expansion potential within the existing customer base.
- Meet and exceed sales targets and performance goals.
- Maintain accurate records of sales activities, pipeline forecasts, and client communications.
- Represent Foresight Automation at industry trade shows, networking events, and client meetings.
- Stay current on emerging trends in automation, industrial controls, and custom manufacturing solutions.
Qualifications & Skills
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in controls, industrial automation, systems integration, or technical sales.
- Working knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent), HMI configuration, VFDs, and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or Profinet).
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings.
- Proven ability to translate customer operational challenges into well-scoped technical solutions and Statements of Work (SOWs).
- Experience developing technical cost estimates including labor, materials, and subcontractor requirements for automation and controls projects.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills — comfortable working with both engineering teams and plant leadership.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple accounts, and drive results in a consultative sales environment.
- Proficiency with sales tracking tools.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel for client meetings and site visits.
Foresight Automation’s Culture
At Foresight Automation and Custom Machines, we are committed to innovation, problem-solving, and delivering high-quality automation solutions that drive efficiency and performance for our clients. We foster a collaborative, forward-thinking work environment where employees are encouraged to take initiative, think creatively, and push the boundaries of industrial automation.
We believe in empowering our team members with the tools and support they need to succeed while maintaining a strong work-life balance. Our team is small, technically deep, and focused on solving problems that off-the-shelf solutions can’t touch.
Why Join Us?
- Apply your technical expertise in a high-impact, customer-facing role with real engineering depth.
- Work with cutting-edge automation and custom machine solutions in a high-growth industry.
- Be part of a collaborative, customer-focused team that values technical knowledge and customer success equally.
- Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives and a company-provided vehicle.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and PTO.
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.