Senior Business Development Manager
About the role
Apera is an innovative, Vancouver-based company at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision. We are recognized with the 2025 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Leadership Award and the 2024 BC Tech "Company of the Year, Growth" award. We are 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 where customers build, validate, and de-risk robotic cells before any hardware is bought), and VuePod, our new turnkey, productized bin-picking cell. We are hiring a Senior Business Development Manager to lead commercial growth across the US automotive and manufacturing markets.
Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain and expand new business relationships with end users, OEMs, integrators, and distribution partners.
- Produce qualified leads with realistic close dates and manage a disciplined sales pipeline.
- Present Apera's solutions to customers based on their requirements and work with the applications team to configure the best fit.
- Deliver outstanding customer service and manage client relationships to ensure satisfaction post-sale.
- Manage and grow key strategic accounts through expansion and long-term partnership development.
Qualifications
- You're a proven senior business development professional with 5+ years of success in B2B technical sales.
- You've sold into manufacturing or automation environments and know how to speak the language of engineers and operations leaders.
- You're self-directed, curious, and thrive in fast-paced environments where the path isn't always laid out for you.
Why This Is a Career Move (Not Just a Job)
You'll own a high-value territory. The Detroit Metro and Michigan market is at the heart of US manufacturing automation — you'll be at the center of it. You'll sell innovation that matters. Apera's 4D Vision technology is recognized by Frost & Sullivan, AAM, and BC Tech for transforming automation globally. You'll grow with us. Work alongside visionary engineers and leaders, gain equity from day one, and help define how AI vision goes to market across North America. You'll see the real impact. Every customer win means faster production, safer factories, and smarter robots on real factory floors.
What You'll Actually Do
- Develop, maintain and expand new business relationships with end users, OEMs, integrators, and distribution partners.
- Produce qualified leads with realistic close dates and manage a disciplined sales pipeline.
- Present Apera's solutions to customers based on their requirements and work with the applications team to configure the best fit.
- Deliver outstanding customer service and manage client relationships to ensure satisfaction post-sale.
- Manage and grow key strategic accounts through expansion and long-term partnership development.
Requirements
- You're a proven senior business development professional with 5+ years of success in B2B technical sales.
- You've sold into manufacturing or automation environments and know how to speak the language of engineers and operations leaders.
- You're self-directed, curious, and thrive in fast-paced environments where the path isn't always laid out for you.
Skills
- You're a proven senior business development professional with 5+ years of success in B2B technical sales.
- You've sold into manufacturing or automation environments and know how to speak the language of engineers and operations leaders.
- You're self-directed, curious, and thrive in fast-paced environments where the path isn't always laid out for you.
Bonus Points
- If You Have Recognized sales acumen. You're known as one of the best on your team.
- You're experienced selling robotics, machine vision, or complex automation systems.
- You have a demonstrated ability to positively impact company culture and build trust with colleagues and customers.
Benefits
- We offer a competitive base salary range of $110,000 to $120,000 USD and OTE of $220,000 to $240,000 per year.
Pay
- $110,000 to $120,000 USD base salary
- $220,000 to $240,000 USD OTE
Schedule
- Full-time