Regional Grinding Sales Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

We are collaborating with a top manufacturer of high-precision CNC grinding systems to find a Regional Sales Manager who will be responsible for boosting capital equipment sales in the Midwest region. This role involves cultivating new business opportunities and nurturing existing customer relationships in various manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical, heavy equipment, and general manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of technical manufacturing expertise and consultative sales skills and will thrive in overseeing intricate, long-term projects involving machinery, automation, and comprehensive manufacturing solutions. This position offers an attractive base salary, limitless bonus potential, a company car allowance, international training prospects, and the chance to represent cutting-edge manufacturing technology.

Responsibilities:

• Manage sales activities in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with a key focus on Michigan and Indiana.
• Generate new business and maintain and broaden relationships with existing clients.
• Regularly visit customers to identify opportunities and provide assistance for ongoing projects.
• Oversee 25–30 active sales opportunities simultaneously across the entire sales cycle.
• Evaluate technical requirements, review RFQs, and develop competitive proposals for capital equipment projects.
• Lead consultative sales efforts for turnkey manufacturing solutions, including CNC grinding systems, automation, and measurement technologies.
• Maintain accurate sales forecasts, customer engagement, and opportunity tracking within the CRM system.
• Collaborate with engineering, applications, service, and marketing teams to ensure successful project completion.
• Travel approximately 30–40% within the Midwest region, with occasional international trips (2–3 annually) for product training and manufacturing visits.
• Consistently meet annual sales targets while managing extended sales cycles for high-value capital equipment.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in selling CNC machine tools, grinding equipment, automation systems, or other manufacturing machinery is preferred.
• Technical background in manufacturing, machining, engineering, operations, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and the ability to interpret engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of machining processes including grinding, milling, and turning.
• Demonstrated capability in managing long sales cycles and complex technical sales projects.
• Experience with CRM platforms like Salesforce, SAP, C4C, or similar.
• Proven skills in consultative selling, account management, and business development.
• Experience in coordinating cross-functional teams during the sales process.
• Pre-existing relationships within Midwest manufacturing industries are highly advantageous.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience is considered a plus.
• Practical experience with CNC or manual machining is beneficial.
• Must be located within the Chicago or Detroit metropolitan areas or willing to relocate.