Regional Sales Manager (Grinding)

We are partnered with an industry-leading manufacturer of high-precision CNC grinding systems to identify a Regional Sales Manager responsible for driving capital equipment sales throughout the Midwest. This position focuses on developing new business while growing existing customer relationships across automotive, aerospace, medical, heavy equipment, and general manufacturing markets. The ideal candidate combines technical manufacturing knowledge with consultative sales skills and enjoys managing complex, long-term projects involving machinery, automation, and turnkey manufacturing solutions. This role offers a competitive base salary, uncapped bonus potential, company vehicle allowance, international training opportunities, and the chance to represent premium manufacturing technology.

Responsibilities:

• Manage sales activities throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with primary customer activity in Michigan and Indiana.
• Develop new business while maintaining and expanding relationships with existing customers.
• Conduct regular customer visits to identify opportunities and support active projects.
• Manage 25–30 active sales opportunities simultaneously through the full sales cycle.
• Review RFQs, evaluate technical requirements, 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 activity, and opportunity tracking within the CRM system.
• Collaborate with engineering, applications, service, and marketing teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Travel approximately 30–40% throughout the Midwest, with occasional international travel (2–3 trips annually) for product training and manufacturing visits.
• Consistently achieve annual sales goals while managing long sales cycles for high-value capital equipment.

Qualifications:

• Experience selling CNC machine tools, grinding equipment, automation systems, or other manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Technical background in manufacturing, machining, engineering, operations, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and the ability to interpret engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of machining processes including grinding, milling, and turning.
• Proven ability to manage long sales cycles and complex technical sales projects.
• Experience working with CRM platforms such as Salesforce, SAP, C4C, or similar.
• Demonstrated consultative selling, account management, and business development skills.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams throughout the sales process.
• Existing relationships within Midwest manufacturing industries are highly desirable.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience is a plus.
• Hands-on CNC or manual machining experience is beneficial.
• Must be based within the Chicago or Detroit metropolitan areas or willing to relocate.