Manufacturing Sales Manager

Are you seeking a sales job in manufacturing?

The Manufacturing Sales Manager will be responsible for overseeing and leading sales activities at a privately-owned manufacturing company specializing in aerospace, marine, power generation, armament, and research. The role involves sourcing and developing high-quality leads, managing the RFI and RFP process, contributing to the development of winning proposals, and ensuring a focus on customer service, quality, and timely delivery. The salary range is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s experience and education.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE MUST HAVE 5 YEARS MINIMUM OF DIRECT, HANDS-ON AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING OR ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Analyze sales and operational records to project sales, determine profitability, set targets, and explore potential new markets.
• Maintain a healthy backlog, optimizing the work mix for maximum cash flow and profitability.
• Identify and analyze customer preferences to direct sales efforts effectively.
• Ensure strategic business collateral requirements are fulfilled, including engineering specifications, drawings, and market direction between customers and internal teams.
• Collaborate with key client personnel (purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and management) to establish strong partnerships.
• Identify customer requirements to acquire profitable opportunities and enhance customer base growth.
• Conduct research and execute results to drive new business development initiatives by aligning core capabilities with customer requirements.
• Consult with potential customers to understand their needs and suggest suitable equipment, products, or services.
• Oversee sales operations, focusing on aerospace/composite tooling, support equipment, contract manufacturing, and machining.
• Supervise presentation and proposal development for key sales processes, including quotes, pricing, negotiation, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Resolve customer complaints, staffing challenges, and other issues that may disrupt efficient sales operations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop sales strategies.
• Participate in sales trade shows, product events, and travel to visit new and existing customers.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong sales, customer service, and negotiation abilities.
• Effective leadership, supervisory, and team collaboration skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software.
• Sales planning and time management expertise.
• Analytical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Strong technical background in aircraft tooling and component parts manufacturing.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Business Administration, Engineering, or related fields, or 10+ years of direct manufacturing or engineering experience.
• 5+ years of direct, hands‑on manufacturing or engineering experience required.
• Proven track record of sales leadership experience is essential.
• At least three years of sales experience is required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of desk work on a computer.
• 25% travel required for airshows, expos and events.
• Occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds.

Seeking a sales job in manufacturing? We’d love to talk!