Head of Sales - North America

Irving Knight Group · Los angeles county, United States

Our client is a growing automation integrator delivering turnkey solutions for complex manufacturing environments. Its work combines industrial robotics, machine tending, assembly and custom software to automate processes that often involve equipment from multiple OEMs.

The market opportunity:

Machine-tool OEMs can automate their own equipment, but manufacturers often need a solution that connects machines, material handling, post-processing and inspection across a wider operation. Our client works in that space, pursuing large, technically demanding projects rather than standard packaging or logistics applications.

Most of its business is in the US, with a strong concentration on the West Coast. Aerospace and defense are important markets. The business is now seeking a senior commercial hire who can be close to customers in the Los Angeles area and help grow those relationships.

The Role:

• Develop relationships with manufacturers and machine-tool OEMs across the US market.
• Identify and win complex, multimillion-dollar automation projects.
• Stay close to existing customers and uncover opportunities as their operations grow.
• Work with technical colleagues to shape solutions around each customer’s production needs.
• Establish the foundation for a future US sales team.

What you’ll bring:

• A strong network of senior contacts at machine-tool OEMs and prospective customers.
• Experience in industrial automation, machine tools or a closely related manufacturing market.
• The drive to open doors and develop large, complex opportunities hands-on.
• A base in or around Los Angeles, or willingness to relocate.

Candidates from OEMs or customer-side organisations are of particular interest. Familiarity with machine tending and turnkey automation would be valuable.