Automation Sales Specialist - OEM

About the role

The Automation Sales Specialist – OEM is responsible for driving growth of industrial controls and automation solutions with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This role focuses on early engagement in the machine design lifecycle to influence platform selection, standardization, and long-term solution adoption. The specialist partners closely with Automation Application Engineers and the broader sales team to deliver scalable, repeatable automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• OEM Account Development & Growth: Develop and expand relationships with OEM customers by identifying design-in opportunities, platform standardization initiatives, and long-term automation strategies.
• Solution-Based Sales Leadership: Lead the commercial sales process for automation opportunities, coordinating technical support from Automation Application Engineers while maintaining ownership of opportunity strategy, pricing, and closure.
• Platform Positioning & Design-In: Position industrial controls and automation solutions—including PLCs, HMIs, drives, motion, safety, and industrial networking—within OEM machine architectures to support scalable and repeatable designs.
• Sales Team Partnership & OEM Support: Partner with existing sales team members to support established OEM customers by providing automation expertise, assisting with design-in efforts, and identifying expansion opportunities while respecting existing account ownership.
• Market & Competitive Awareness: Maintain awareness of OEM market trends, machine standards, and competitive automation platforms to strengthen solution positioning and customer value.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience)
• Experience: 5+ years in industrial automation sales, OEM business development, or technical sales. Experience working with machine builders or OEM customers preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of industrial automation technologies including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, and industrial communications. Familiarity with leading automation platforms and competitive solutions.
• Professional Skills: Strong consultative selling and relationship-building skills with the ability to manage long sales cycles and influence early design decisions. Effective communication with both technical and commercial stakeholders.

Environment

• Healthcare plans
• Dental & vision
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Professional and personal development programs

What We Offer You

• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here.