Business Development Manager (Alabama)

About the role

Apera is an innovative, Vancouver-based company at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision—recognized with the 2025 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Leadership Award and the 2024 BC Tech "Company of the Year, Growth" award. We're on a mission to redefine AI-driven robotic vision. Apera AI helps manufacturers make their factories more flexible and productive. Robots enhanced with Apera's software have 4D Vision—the ability to see and grasp objects with human-like capability. Challenging applications such as bin picking, sorting, packaging, and assembly are now open to fast, precise, and reliable automation. We work with the world's leading automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Our portfolio spans Vue (our 4D Vision software), Forge (a no-code simulation and AI training studio), and VuePod, our new turnkey, productized bin-picking cell.

This is a remote role based in Alabama or nearby states, with travel as needed to customer sites and events.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth by identifying and closing new business opportunities in the manufacturing automation space.
• Work with OEMs, integrators, end users, and distribution partners to uncover use cases where Apera’s 4D Vision can add transformational value.
• Leverage AI-powered Sales Tech Stack to improve prospecting, qualify opportunities, and shorten sales cycles.
• Acquire and close new business: generate a pipeline of qualified leads and close high-value deals across key verticals within the first 6–12 months.
• Use AI-enabled lead generation and CRM tools to increase efficiency and conversion rates.
• Consistently meet or exceed assigned revenue targets while preserving profitability.
• Grow strategic accounts: expand business within existing accounts by identifying additional applications for Apera’s technology.
• Partner with engineering and application teams to develop tailored solutions.
• Use predictive analytics and CRM data to guide renewal, upsell, and cross-sell opportunities.
• Design and implement go-to-market strategies aligned with company growth goals.
• Build and manage partnerships with OEMs, integrators, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide quarterly performance reports that include KPIs like pipeline growth, win rates, and customer expansion.
• Conduct market analysis: complete a detailed analysis of customer segments, competitors, and territory dynamics within 60 days.
• Use AI tools to identify emerging trends and develop data-backed insights that inform targeting strategies.
• Collaborate with technical teams to deliver value: partner with Application Engineering to shape client-specific solutions.
• Use collaborative platforms to streamline proposal creation and ensure seamless handoff from sale to execution.
• Lead project management for key sales wins: oversee execution timelines and stakeholder alignment for major deals.
• Provide ongoing updates and manage client expectations proactively.
• Launch growth initiatives: lead a strategic market expansion initiative within 12 months (e.g., penetrating a new vertical, securing a major partnership, or running a promotional campaign).
• Track and report on ROI and impact.
• Maximize customer retention and satisfaction: monitor customer satisfaction through structured feedback loops.
• Rapidly resolve challenges using root cause analysis and proactive communication.
• Cultivate long-term relationships that generate referrals and renewals.

Requirements

• 4+ years of success in technical sales or business development.
• Experience selling into manufacturing or automation environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers and operations leaders.
• Self-directed, curious, and thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Background in engineering or technical sales (degree preferred, but not required).
• Strong and consistent track record of exceeding quota.
• Experience selling robotics, machine vision, or complex automation systems.
• Consultative, trust-based sales approach that resonates with technical buyers.

Benefits

• Personalized development plans, annual learning budgets, and regular individual and team upskilling.
• Time dedicated to innovation.
• Meaningful equity ownership from day one, with all employees receiving a stake in the company.

Pay

Competitive base salary range of $90,000 to $110,000 USD and OTE (On-Target Earnings) of $175,000 to $210,000 per year. The final offer will depend on skills, experience, intellectual contributions, and the value you bring to the team.