Business Development Manager – Controls & Automation

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take charge of pipeline development across the Western U.S., ensuring accountability for opportunity creation, qualification, and progression.

• Identify and engage with target customers, general contractors, and end users in key markets.

• Formulate and implement territory and account strategies to establish SSI in regions with low penetration.

• Engage customers prior to the RFP phase, influence project scope, and position SSI as the preferred partner.

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with engineering, operations, maintenance, and capital project stakeholders.

• Convert customer challenges into actionable opportunities across SSI service lines.

• Lead the early-stage solution development process with engineering to refine scope, approach, and positioning.

• Oversee the pipeline using CRM tools, including forecasting, activity tracking, and reporting.

• Represent SSI at industry events, site visits, and through strategic customer engagement.

• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and leadership to ensure alignment of pursuits with execution capabilities.

• Willing to travel approximately 50% across the Western U.S.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of business development or technical sales experience in industrial automation, electrical systems, or system integration, or 5 years of direct technical/hands-on experience in controls and automation.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, industrial technology, electronics technology, or a related technical field.

• Other degrees may be considered with relevant experience.

• Proven success in building a pipeline from a minimal or low baseline in new or underdeveloped regions.

• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities early, influence specifications, and enhance hit rates.

• Familiarity with PLCs and automation systems, including system architecture, I/O layout, and control philosophy development.

• Knowledge of PLC migration and modernization from legacy platforms, such as PLC-5, SLC 500, Siemens S5/S7.

• Experience integrating PLCs with HMIs, SCADA, and plant networks.

• Understanding of ladder logic, function block, and structured text programming concepts.

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE, Schneider Modicon, Emerson Delta V, or similar automation platforms.

• Familiarity with SCADA and HMI software, including Ignition, Wonderware/AVEVA, and FactoryTalk.

• Knowledge of industrial networking and protocols, including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, DNP3, and ControlNet.

• Understanding of instrumentation and controls, including loop diagrams, I/O systems, calibration, field terminations, sensors, and transmitters.

• Knowledge of electrical systems, including LV and MV drives, relays, VFD/soft start systems, and protective schemes.

• Understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals, including load lists, cable routing, arc flash, and area classification.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.

• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational skills and dedication to follow-through.

• Willing to travel regionally approximately 50%.

• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and periodic, unannounced random drug tests.

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without requiring employer-sponsored visa/work permit.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation along with performance-based incentives.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for career development.

• Leading electrical and safety training in the industry.

• Access to resources and support from Shermco Industries & Blackstone.

• Collaboration with skilled engineers and field technicians.

• Involvement in diverse, high-impact projects that enhance safety, reliability, and performance for major industrial clients.