Area Sales Manager

About us- Cognex is the largest, most successful and recognized global player in industrial machine vision! We are a financially strong, international company with no debt and have been in business for over 40 years. Using advanced optics, image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image then analyze it to make sense of what's being seen.We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, guided by our "Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast" culture, which celebrates employee innovation, determination, and dedication in a dynamic, fun, and distinctive atmosphere.

Position Overview

• This position is responsible for leading and developing a team of field sales professionals within the district, driving sales performance, executing regional business objectives, and ensuring alignment with Cognex's culture, values, and strategic goals. Working closely with the Regional Sales Manager, this role supports team development, customer engagement, and business growth. The position is accountable for achieving sales objectives across a defined territory and customer base, including end users, partners, and OEMs. While the primary focus is on vision solutions, this role is also responsible for driving adoption and growth of the broader Cognex sensor portfolio within strategic accounts.

• The employee will work closely with the District Sales Manager to develop account strategies and tactics and will be responsible for exceeding an assigned quota while expanding Cognex's presence within existing and newly identified accounts.

• In addition, this position will collaborate with Sales and Product Marketing teams on strategic opportunities where cross-functional engagement is required to secure business. The successful candidate will embody Cognex's core values, including Work Hard, Play Hard and Move Fast. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed by management.

Territory & Leadership

• Territory: Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL

• Leadership Responsibility: 8 direct reports (3 TSEs and 5 ASEs)

Essential Functions

• Lead, develop, and mentor the team by fostering employee growth, strengthening skills, and driving high performance through coaching and professional development.

• Maintain and reinforce Cognex's culture and values throughout the district, promoting employee engagement, collaboration, accountability, and organizational success.

• Properly forecast and close vision solutions with end users, partners, and OEMs.

• Effectively demonstrate products and utilize the Burn Grass/Delta Sell sales process.

• Follow up on sales leads and schedule customer visits.

• Work closely with the Sensor Sales Engineer to ensure all Cognex products are sold into strategic accounts.

• Generate and pass sensor opportunities to the Sensor Sales Engineer.

• Partner with ASPs to ensure they are properly trained on positioning and selling Cognex products.

• Develop and execute strategic account plans for vision and sensor solutions within Most Wanted Accounts.

• Utilize the 6 Bullets sales process to win large strategic opportunities.

• Conduct product and solution demonstrations at customer sites.

• Collaborate with counterparts in other territories on multi-territory opportunities.

• Follow up on customer inquiries, understand requirements, and differentiate Cognex solutions.

• Assist at trade shows and marketing events.

• Coordinate evaluations with the Applications Engineering team.

• Maintain project information within SalesBook.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven track record of sales success within industrial automation.

• Demonstrated success in a solutions-based sales environment.

• Consistent use of a structured sales process to exceed targets.

• Strong PC proficiency and working knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications.

• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.

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

Minimum Education and Experience

• Technical degree or equivalent experience.

• Proven sales experience with a history of exceeding sales targets.

• Experience selling technical products and solutions to production managers and engineers.

• 5-7+ years of technical sales experience, ideally within machine vision, industrial automation, sensors, or related technologies.