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Industrial Automation Sales Manager

Graybar · Green Bay, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you led a team of technical people who knew more about the product than you did.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead experts with respect while still setting direction and holding people accountable.

Tell me about a new automation customer you developed from scratch. How did it start?

What they are checking: Whether they have actually opened new accounts, since business development is a main duty of this role.

What would you do

How would you build an automation business plan for the Green Bay territory in your first year?

What they are checking: Whether they can turn market knowledge into a concrete district plan with targets and tactics.

A big manufacturer wants a solution from a supplier that Graybar does not carry. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can find a creative path that keeps the customer while staying aligned with key supplier partners.

One of your sales engineers is great technically but weak with customers. How would you develop them?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach soft skills and build the automation team the posting describes.

How would you train branch sales staff so they can spot automation opportunities in their own accounts?

What they are checking: Whether they can spread automation knowledge across the district through tools and training programs.

About the work

Tell me about the automation and control products you have sold or supported, such as PLCs, drives or HMIs.

What they are checking: How deep their automation knowledge goes, since they will lead technical specialists and sales engineers.

What does it mean to drive specifications, and how have you gotten your products written into a project spec?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to influence engineers and integrators early, which decides who wins automation orders.

How do you build pre-sale and post-sale support so customers keep coming back?

What they are checking: Whether they see service after the order as part of winning the next automation project.

What trends in industrial automation do you think will matter most to manufacturers in this region?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the market closely enough to spot opportunities and risks for the district.

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The full job description

As published by Graybar.

Are you ready? Purpose • Lead and develop high-tech automation/control team including Technical Specialists, Sales Engineers, Quotation Specialists, and others, as required. • Collaborate with customers, suppliers and Graybar personnel to identify automation/control solution opportunities and ultimately secure orders while fulfilling customer needs. Responsibilities • Develop business plans that support the automation and control market within the assigned territory; collaborate with appropriate automation personnel to develop tactical plans to create and implement a district automation plan. • Oversee the business development of new automation/control customers. • Develop automation team for pre and post-sales support. • Drive automation/control specifications within assigned territory. • Evaluate automation/control business trends for potential impact on the district; identify key business opportunities and potential risks within the assigned territory. • Develop and maintain relationships with key automation/control customers and suppliers in the respective territory. • Develop and maintain relationships with local management and sales staff. • Develop and implement appropriate tools and training programs within the assigned territory to support the automation/control opportunities, including customers and members of the Company’s team. • Participation, achievement and management of Schneider Electric’s Industrial Automation Distributor (IAD) program status and requirements. What you bring to the table: • Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills • Strong ability to network and make connections • 11+ years experience in automation and control sales; management experience preferred • 4 year degree preferred in Electrical Engineering, Business or related field • Ability to travel throughout the assigned territory Pay Details: The expected salary for this position is starting at $130,000.00 annually depending on experience. This position is also bonus eligible based on specific and relevant business metrics. This role requires the use of your personal vehicle for business purposes. Graybar offers a Fixed and Variable Rate (FAVR) reimbursement program to support eligible drivers. This program allows you to choose and drive your own vehicle, rather than a company-assigned car, and your reimbursements can help you build equity in your vehicle over time. Please note that certain vehicle requirements, such as age and original MSRP, may impact your eligibility for tax-free reimbursement. More information about Graybar's FAVR reimbursement program will be shared upon hire. The Value of Graybar: At Graybar, we are known for our comprehensive benefits and our employee stock ownership plan! Most regular, full-time employees at Graybar may be eligible for a variety of benefits like: • Multiple plan options for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug benefits. • Life Insurance coverage for you and options for your family. • Save on expenses with Flexible Spending Accounts . • Enjoy our Disability Benefits at no cost to you. • Share in our success with P rofit Sharing Plans . • 401(k) Savings Plan with company match to help secure your future. • Paid Vacation & Sick Days to spend time away from work or in case of an illness. • Rest and recharge during our Paid Holidays throughout the year. • Take advantage of our Paid Wellness Day to focus on preventive care and prioritize your health. • Volunteer with Community Time Off to give back to the community. • Predictable Work Schedules to plan your life: no weekends or nights for most roles. • Celebrate your and others' achievements with our Employee Recognition Program . • Reach your career goals with our Educational Reimbursement and Career Development Programs . • And More Perks that support your well-being and career growth. Benefit eligibility may vary across locations and roles, so be sure to check in with your recruiter for more information. Why should you join Graybar? At Graybar, our employees are the heart and soul of our company. We believe that employees with diverse perspectives bring the ideas and innovative thinking we need to solve our biggest challenges and compete in an ever-changing world. Consistent with our values, we welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences into our company because we believe it’s the right thing to do and the right way to run our business. We want each of our employees to know that they matter and to feel a sense of belonging, ownership and inclusion at Graybar. We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and we work to build a collaborative environment where our employees have the opportunity to grow, learn and make a difference, both as individuals and as part of the team. That’s what our employee ownership culture is all about: working as one team and moving forward together, while honoring the unique value each person brings to our company. Apply now and find out what’s next for you. Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled Not the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Introduce Yourself in the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!

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