Business Development Manager (Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin)

Job Description

Job Description

We are an innovative, Vancouver-based startup at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies. Backed by VC funding and we've been recognized with the 2025 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Leadership Award, the AAM Supplier Excellence Innovation Award, and the 2024 BC Tech "Company of the Year – Growth", 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.

This is a remote role based in either Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin, with travel as needed to customer sites and events.

What will I be doing?

You'll be on the frontlines driving revenue growth by identifying and closing new business opportunities in the manufacturing automation space. Working with OEMs, integrators, end users, and distribution partners, you'll uncover use cases where Apera's 4D Vision can add transformational value. You'll also leverage our AI-powered Sales Tech Stack to improve prospecting, qualify opportunities, and shorten sales cycles.

Major Objectives

1. Acquire and Close New Business

Within the first 6–12 months, generate a pipeline of qualified leads and close high-value deals across key verticals. Use AI-enabled lead generation and CRM tools to increase efficiency and conversion rates. Consistently meet or exceed assigned revenue targets while preserving profitability.

2. 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.

3. Drive Market Penetration Through Strategic Sales Execution

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.

Critical Key Results

1. Conduct Market Analysis

Within 60 days, complete a detailed analysis of customer segments, competitors, and territory dynamics. Use AI tools to identify emerging trends and develop data-backed insights that inform targeting strategies.

2. 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.

3. Lead Project Management for Key Sales Wins

For major deals, oversee execution timelines and stakeholder alignment to ensure successful implementation. Provide ongoing updates and manage client expectations proactively.

4. Launch Growth Initiatives

Within 12 months, lead a strategic market expansion initiative—such as penetrating a new vertical, securing a major partnership, or running a promotional campaign. Track and report on ROI and impact.

5. 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.

About You

You're a proven business development professional with 3+ years of success in 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.

You likely have :

• A 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
• A consultative, trust-based sales approach that resonates with technical buyers

What do we offer?

This range reflects the base and OTE for a highly qualified candidate. The final offer will depend on a range of factors including your unique skills, experience, intellectual contributions to team diversity, and the value you bring to our vision of transforming industrial automation with AI-powered vision systems.

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