The Business Development Manager – Industrial Automation is a senior individual contributor responsible for identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities for Branson Ultrasonics’ full technology portfolio - including ultrasonic, laser, vibration, and metal welding systems and industrial cleaning – within the industrial automation space. This role targets systems integrators, OEM machine builders, and end-user manufacturers deploying automated assembly lines where advanced welding and assembly or precision cleaning technology delivers measurable process and quality advantages. The BDM serves as Branson’s primary growth engine in the automation segment, partnering closely with Territory Sales Engineers, application engineering, and product management to develop integrated, automation-compatible solutions. Success in this role requires fluency in automated assembly system design, robot integration, and the decision dynamics of both end-users and the integrators who serve them.
In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:
- Develop and execute a business development strategy for the industrial automation segment across the Americas, targeting systems integrators, OEM machine builders, and end-user manufacturers in consumer products, electronics, packaging, and general industrial verticals.
- Identify and prioritize opportunities where Branson's welding or precision cleaning technology can be designed into automated assembly platforms, replacing manual processes or competitive solutions.
- Establish Branson as the preferred joining and cleaning technology partner in the integrator and machine builder community, building design and engineering level relationships to influence standard configurations and preferred vendor status.
- Develop market-specific value propositions and ROI tools that quantify cycle time, quality, scrap reduction, and integration benefits versus alternatives.
- Build strategic relationships with engineering, integration, and procurement decision makers, acting as a trusted automation technology advisor.
- Lead application discovery conversations, including review of machine line designs, cycle time requirements, part geometry, and material specifications, to recommend technically accurate solutions.
- Collaborate with application engineers to scope feasibility studies, define robot integration requirements, and deliver proof-of-concept demonstrations.
- Manage the full business development cycle from lead identification through program design, commercial proposal, and handoff to account management, maintaining complete CRM records.
- Develop expert knowledge of Branson's ultrasonic and vibration welding system interfaces, including discrete I/O, fieldbus/Ethernet protocols (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP), and data output capabilities for automated cell integration.
- Work with application engineering and product management to define automation-specific product requirements (mounting, integration interfaces, cycle timing, data logging) and feed market input into the product roadmap.
- Evaluate and recommend solutions for complex multi-station, multi-process automated assembly challenges using Branson's full portfolio and third-party integration partners.
- Provide regular pipeline reviews, revenue forecasts, and program status updates to sales leadership.
- Develop detailed account and partner plans for key integrators and machine builders, documenting technology preferences, active programs, competitive landscape, and pursuit strategy.
- Track project timelines, machine line build schedules, and production startup milestones to forecast revenue and coordinate application engineering and customer service support.
- Work with Territory Sales Engineers to coordinate pursuit strategies on large automation programs, ensuring consistent messaging and aligned commercial terms across integrator and end-user stakeholders.
- Build a Community of Practice of territory sales engineers and application engineers serving automation, sharing strategy, competitive intelligence, customer drivers, and multi-site support.
- Partner with product management, marketing, and application engineering on automation-specific content, including integration guides, product selection tools, and trade show demonstrations.
- Represent Branson at key automation and manufacturing technology events (e.g., ASSEMBLY Show, ATX, Automate, Pack Expo) to build visibility among integrators, machine builders, and manufacturing engineers.
- Monitor competitive automation offerings, integrator partnership programs, and emerging assembly technology trends, and brief sales and product leadership to inform strategy and roadmap.
Who You Are:
- You are a commercially driven, technically credible business developer who thrives in the space between engineering and sales. You are energized by building new relationships, uncovering unmet customer needs, and translating Branson’s technology capabilities into compelling solutions that create real manufacturing value. You operate with a hunter’s mindset and a consultative approach - patient enough to navigate long-cycle capital decisions, persistent enough to move them forward, and credible enough to earn trust at every level of the customer organization. Above all, you bring a genuine passion for the end market you serve and an unwavering commitment to growing the business.
For This Role, You Will Need:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field; advanced degree (MBA or MS Engineering) a plus.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in technical sales, business development, or applications engineering in capital equipment, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing.
- Demonstrated success identifying, developing, and closing new business in a direct sales or business development capacity, with accountability for revenue and pipeline metrics.
- Working knowledge of automated assembly systems, including robotic integration, PLC/HMI controls, vision systems, and inline quality monitoring in a manufacturing context.
- Proficiency with CRM platforms (Salesforce or equivalent) for opportunity management, pipeline tracking, and forecasting.
- Strong consultative and solution-selling skills, including the ability to map customer process requirements to technology solutions and build executive-level business cases.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders at engineering, operational, and C-suite levels.
- High degree of independence, self-motivation, and accountability, with demonstrated ability to manage complex, long-cycle sales processes to close.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) for pipeline reporting, proposals, and executive business reviews.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50-60% within the assigned territory or accounts, including customer site visits, technical reviews, and industry events.
- Legal authorization to work in the US - visa sponsorship will not be granted for this role
Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:
- Direct experience selling capital equipment, joining systems, or automation components to systems integrators, OEM machine builders, or industrial manufacturers.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, traceability systems, and digital manufacturing integration (data output, MES connectivity, SPC) as they apply to joining and cleaning processes.
- Experience managing integrator and channel partner ecosystems, including co-selling, joint solution development, and partner enablement.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma quality principles as they apply to automated assembly line qualification and process control.
The preferred work location for this role is Novi, MI; however, consideration will be given to select internal candidates who wish to perform the role from their current work location.
Our Culture & Commitment to You:
- At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives - because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.
- We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.
WHY EMERSON
Our Commitment to Our People
At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.
We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world’s most complex problems - for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You’ll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.
At Emerson, you’ll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let’s go. Let’s think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let’s go, together.
Work Authorization
Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
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ABOUT EMERSON
Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.
With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.
We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you’re an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you’ll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team – let’s go!
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