Director of Sales – Strategic Sales Leadership

Metal Forming & Metal Laser Cutting Machinery

Location: Chicago, IL (Northwest Suburbs / Airport Area)
Work Model: Hybrid or Remote (based on location); ~50% travel
Compensation: $150,000 – $200,000 base + bonus
Relocation Assistance Available
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k)

The Role

This role leads revenue growth through strategy, execution, and industry expertise—not activity volume. The Director of Sales owns the commercial strategy for a capital equipment portfolio serving sheet metal fabrication, metal forming, and laser cutting markets.

Success is measured by market share growth, forecast accuracy, team performance, and sustained customer relationships across OEM, job shop, and contract manufacturing environments.

What Success Looks Like (Performance Outcomes)

Strategic Sales Leadership

• Design and execute a multi-year sales strategy that drives profitable growth across metal forming and laser cutting machinery product lines.
• Own revenue, margin, and booking targets with disciplined forecasting and pipeline management.
• Translate company objectives into clear regional sales priorities, account strategies, and execution plans.
• Partner with executive leadership on pricing strategy, go-to-market plans, and capacity planning.
• Build a repeatable, metrics-driven sales operating rhythm (forecast cadence, deal reviews, territory plans).

Industry-Driven Commercial Execution

• Lead solution-based selling efforts focused on complex capital equipment, automation integration, and long sales cycles.
• Apply hands-on knowledge of sheet metal fabrication workflows, laser cutting systems, forming technologies, and downstream automation.
• Guide sales strategy based on customer ROI drivers: productivity, uptime, automation readiness, and total cost of ownership.
• Act as a senior commercial voice in major deals, key accounts, and strategic distributor relationships.

Sales Team Development & Accountability

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of regional sales managers and supporting sales functions.
• Set clear performance expectations tied to results—not activity.
• Elevate team capability in consultative selling, technical credibility, and deal strategy.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Market Intelligence & Brand Presence

• Monitor competitor activity, market trends, and customer feedback to shape strategy.
• Represent the company at industry trade shows, customer events, and key account meetings.
• Strengthen brand positioning within the metal fabrication, forming, and laser cutting markets.

Qualifications That Matter

• 10+ years of progressive sales experience in sheet metal fabrication equipment, metal forming machinery, or metal laser cutting systems.
• 5+ years leading sales teams in capital equipment or industrial machinery environments.
• Demonstrated success driving revenue growth through strategy, leadership, and technical credibility.
• Deep understanding of capital equipment sales cycles, industrial distribution models, and OEM/job shop customers.
• Strong business acumen: forecasting, pricing strategy, deal structuring, and margin management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Industrial Technology (MBA preferred; equivalent experience considered).
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Why This Role Is Different

• Strategic leadership role—not a “player-coach quota chaser.”
• Significant influence on company growth, market direction, and commercial strategy.
• Products and customers in core manufacturing segments with long-term demand.
• Executive visibility and real decision-making authority.