Lead Solutions Specialist - Industrial Controls and Automation

Sonepar • Irving, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

A career at Crawford Electric Supply is more than a job. You’re investing in a brighter, more sustainable future together and joining a team that makes a real difference for our customers. Crawford Electric Supply offers electrical products and services to contractors. If it helps bring electricity to an office, home, factory or other building – you can find it here. We operate throughout the southeast region of the United States, and are part of the Sonepar group, the world’s #1 electrical distributor with over 45,000 associates around the globe. Being “Powered by Difference” means we respect and value diverse perspectives. Crawford Electric Supply we offer a supportive culture and great benefits, and as part of the larger Sonepar group, we can offer exciting opportunities to grow your career. It’s time to energize your future! Don’t miss out on this electrifying opportunity – apply today! Stay connected with us – follow our journey, job openings, and latest news on LinkedIn and Facebook.

If you are looking for a company who is committed to building a relationship with you, who encourages having fun at work, who is powered by difference, and who is passionate about your future, it’s time to apply at Crawford Electric Supply. Known in the electrical distribution industry for being a great place to work and build a career, Crawford prides itself on being a business partner rather than just an electrical supplier to its customers. Everyday Crawford associates provide the best customer experience while at the same time offering the widest variety of electrical products on the market. For the past 30 years, Crawford has built a culture of growth, opportunity, innovative thinking, and stability for its employees by truly living up to the company motto of, “Whatever it Takes!” through our mindset competencies below:

Adapt: Effectively embrace new situation and people
Dare: Appropriately challenge the status quo
Learn: Learn from others, from mistakes, and self-improve

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or related field(or equivalent relevant experience)
• 5+ years in industrial automation sales, OEM business development, or technical sales.
• Experience working with machine builders or OEM customers preferred.
• Working knowledge of industrial automation technologies including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, and industrial communications.
• Familiarity with leading automation platforms and competitive solutions.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop and expand relationships with OEM customers by identifying design‑in opportunities, platform standardization initiatives, and long‑term automation strategies.
• Lead the commercial sales process for automation opportunities, coordinating technical support from Automation Application Engineers while maintaining ownership of opportunity strategy, pricing, and closure.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain awareness of OEM market trends, machine standards, and competitive automation platforms to strengthen solution positioning and customer value.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior