Head of Sales

Summary:On behalf of our client, IGNYTE AI is seeking a Head of Sales. This role is a critical leadership role responsible for driving the company's revenue growth and market expansion strategies. Based in Canton, Michigan, this position oversees the entire sales organization and plays a pivotal role in developing and executing comprehensive sales plans aligned with the company's strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic "hunter" with the ability to transform the sales culture, prioritizing new customer acquisition and fostering a high-performance environment. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to navigate complex market dynamics while maintaining a customer-centric approach. The Head of Sales will report directly to the board initially, with potential to become a senior executive. They must be comfortable working in industrial environments, willing to travel extensively to visit customers, and possess high emotional intelligence to effectively lead and build the sales organization within a family business setting.Responsibilities: Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy: Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to drive revenue growth, market share expansion, and customer acquisition across all product lines and market segments.Lead and transform the sales culture: Foster a high-performance, "hunter" mentality within the sales team, emphasizing new customer acquisition and aggressive growth strategies.Establish and monitor sales targets: Set key performance indicators (KPIs) and sales forecasts aligned with organizational goals, regularly reviewing and analyzing performance data to implement improvements.Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with marketing, product development, and operations to align sales strategies with overall business objectives and ensure seamless execution.Develop and maintain strong customer relationships: Engage with key customers to understand their needs, deliver tailored solutions, and provide exceptional customer service in industrial environments.Oversee sales training programs: Develop and implement training initiatives to equip the sales team with necessary knowledge and skills, particularly in commodity-driven sales.Manage and optimize the sales pipeline: Ensure a consistent flow of qualified leads and opportunities, implementing effective lead generation and nurturing strategies to support revenue growth.Analyze competitive landscapes and market trends: Stay informed about industry developments, emerging technologies, and market shifts to identify potential threats and opportunities.Build strategic partnerships: Develop relationships with key stakeholders, including distributors and industry associations, to explore potential collaborations and business opportunities.Design and implement sales incentive structures: Create effective compensation and incentive programs to motivate and retain top sales talent.Manage the sales budget: Oversee forecasting, resource allocation, and expense control to ensure efficient utilization of resources.Provide regular reports and presentations: Communicate sales performance, market insights, and strategic recommendations to the board and senior leadership.Foster a culture of continuous learning: Encourage professional development within the sales organization, keeping the team updated on industry trends and best practiceEnsure compliance and ethical practices: Promote integrity, transparency, and adherence to relevant laws and company policies in all sales activities.Represent company at industry events: Attend conferences, trade shows, and customer sites to promote the company's products and services, serving as a brand ambassador.Education and Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related field (MBA preferred but not required)8-10 years of progressive sales experience in industrial or manufacturing sectorsProven track record of successful sales leadership and team managementExperience in commodity-driven sales environmentsStrong understanding of sales processes, pipeline management, and CRM systemsDemonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic sales plansExperience in transforming sales cultures and driving performance improvementsProficiency in data analysis and financial management related to sales operationsIndustry experience in steel or metals is beneficial but not requiredThis job has been posted by IGNYTE AI, a Kingsley Gate company. IGNYTE AI is committed to the fundamental principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current employee. It is the policy of Kingsley Gate not to discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex and gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.