Business Development Manager (Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky)

Apera AI Inc • Sugar Creek, IN

156d • $90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

We are an innovative, Vancouver-based startup at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies. Backed by VC funding and recognized as a 2024 BCTIA Growth Award winner, we are on a mission to redefine the future of AI-driven robotic vision systems. 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 handle objects with human-like capability. Challenging applications such as bin picking, sorting, packaging, and assembly are now open to fast, precise, and reliable automation. Apera is led by an experienced team from high-growth companies focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Do you love your car? Use a dishwasher? Apera AI is revolutionizing how they're made. Our 4D Vision technology provides industrial robots with human-like vision and AI-powered intelligence, dramatically increasing reliability, speed, and accuracy in vision-guided robotic automation. We unlock factory performance, empowering automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and other industrial manufacturers to achieve unmatched levels of productivity, quality, and cost savings. With hundreds of successful deployments across North America and a recent round of capital funding, Apera is growing fast—and we’re looking for a driven, strategic Business Development Manager to help us expand into new accounts and markets.

Requirements

• Proven business development professional with 3+ years of success in technical sales.
• Experience selling into manufacturing or automation environments.
• Strong and consistent track record of exceeding quota.
• Experience selling robotics, machine vision, or complex automation systems.
• A consultative, trust-based sales approach that resonates with technical buyers.

Nice To Haves

• A background in engineering or technical sales (degree preferred, but not required).

Responsibilities

• Acquire and Close New Business by generating a pipeline of qualified leads and closing high-value deals across key verticals.
• Grow Strategic Accounts by identifying additional applications for Apera’s technology and partnering with engineering and application teams.
• Drive Market Penetration Through Strategic Sales Execution by designing and implementing go-to-market strategies.
• Conduct Market Analysis to complete a detailed analysis of customer segments, competitors, and territory dynamics.
• Collaborate with Technical Teams to deliver value by partnering with Application Engineering to shape client-specific solutions.
• Lead Project Management for Key Sales Wins by overseeing execution timelines and stakeholder alignment.
• Launch Growth Initiatives within 12 months, leading a strategic market expansion initiative.
• Maximize Customer Retention and Satisfaction by monitoring customer satisfaction and cultivating long-term relationships.

Benefits

• Personalized development plans and annual learning budgets.
• Regular individual and team upskilling.
• Equity opportunities for all employees.
• Transparent and straightforward compensation structure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees