Sales Development Manager - MidwestLocation: position is located remotely within the territory, preferably centralized in Springfield, MO area.
Position SummaryThe Sales Development Manager is responsible for maintaining and growing the market share of Diamond-Drives by Timken's Chain & Auger products and Lovejoy Couplings products and services within an assigned territory. This role drives profitable revenue growth through strategic account management, new business development, strong customer relationships, and collaboration with internal teams.
The Sales Development Manager serves as the primary liaison between customers, engineering, operations, product management, and sales leadership to identify opportunities, solve customer challenges, and deliver value-added solutions. The position requires a highly motivated sales professional with mechanical power transmission expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to execute sales strategies that exceed market growth rates.
Key ResponsibilitiesSales Growth & Business Development- Develop and execute strategic sales plans aligned with the objectives of Timken Drives, Diamond Chain & Auger, and Lovejoy Couplings.
- Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities that drive profitable growth and increase market share.
- Develop territory growth strategies, account plans, and market development initiatives to exceed annual sales objectives.
- Drive specification and conversion opportunities through proactive engagement with OEM, distribution, and end-user customers.
Customer Relationship Management- Develop and maintain strong customer relationships through regular in-person visits, business reviews, and ongoing communication.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers within the assigned territory.
- Understand customer business objectives, operational challenges, and growth plans to identify opportunities for partnership and expansion.
- Provide timely follow-up and support to ensure customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
Technical Sales & Problem Solving- Analyze customer applications and recommend appropriate chain, auger, and coupling solutions.
- Utilize structured problem-solving techniques to address customer issues and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Gather and communicate Voice of the Customer (VOC) feedback to engineering, product management, operations, and leadership teams.
- Support customers with product selection, troubleshooting, application guidance, and technical training.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partner with Timken Regional Managers, Territory Sales Managers, Product Managers, and Channel Partners to develop and execute growth strategies.
- Coordinate with engineering, customer service, operations, supply chain, and product management teams to support customer requirements.
- Participate in sales forecasting, market planning, pricing initiatives, and strategic business reviews.
- Support product launches, marketing initiatives, and promotional programs.
Territory Management & Administration- Maintain accurate customer, opportunity, and sales activity records within CRM systems.
- Manage sales forecasts, pipeline development, and territory performance metrics.
- Prepare and deliver presentations, business reviews, and sales reports.
- Monitor competitive activity, market trends, and customer developments to identify risks and opportunities.
Technical & Functional Skills- Experience utilizing CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Oracle, or equivalent systems.
- Strong territory management and business development experience.
- Knowledge of mechanical power transmission products and applications.
- Understanding of roller chain, auger systems, couplings, bearings, and related industrial products.
- Strong business and financial acumen.
- Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and business software applications.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Experience working with industrial distributors, OEMs, and end users.
- Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to manage priorities and deliver results.
EducationRequired- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant sales experience.
Preferred- Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related discipline.
ExperienceRequired- Minimum 2 years of industrial sales experience.
- Demonstrated success in territory management, account development, and business growth.
Preferred- Experience with mechanical power transmission products, including roller chain, couplings, bearings, auger systems, or related industrial products.
- Experience selling through industrial distribution and OEM channels.
Travel Requirements- Extensive travel throughout the assigned territory, including customer visits, distributor meetings, industry events, and internal business meetings.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel by air and automobile as required.
Success MeasuresSuccess in this role will be measured by:
- Achievement of revenue and market share growth objectives.
- New business development and account expansion.
- Customer retention and satisfaction.
- Pipeline growth and forecast accuracy.
- Effective territory management and execution of strategic initiatives.
- Cross-functional collaboration and customer advocacy.
