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Salesforce Sr. Director, SME (Subject Matter Advisor/Expert – Manufacturing)

Huron Consulting · Chicago, IL · $215,000–$275,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 25, 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 your manufacturing industry experience and the kinds of executives you have advised.

What they are checking: Whether they bring real manufacturing depth and C-level credibility that the role depends on.

Tell me about a point of view you created that directly led to new business.

What they are checking: Whether their thought leadership turned into revenue, since the posting measures success that way.

How do you work with Salesforce's own account teams to open doors for a partner?

What they are checking: Whether they can use existing Salesforce relationships to create joint opportunities.

A C-level executive challenges your recommendation in front of their team. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they stay credible and calm when a senior client pushes back.

What would you do

Walk me through how you would turn a manufacturing industry trend into a sales play.

What they are checking: Whether they can convert insight into something a go-to-market team can sell.

You need a demo asset built for a client meeting in three weeks, and the delivery team is fully booked. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can guide technical teams and scope assets realistically under time pressure.

How would you make Huron stand out from larger Salesforce partners in manufacturing?

What they are checking: Whether they can craft a differentiated message rather than a generic partner pitch.

About the work

What problems does Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud solve well, and where does it fall short?

What they are checking: Whether they know the product honestly enough to build a defensible point of view.

How would you explain sales agreements and account-based forecasting to a manufacturer's VP of sales?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect Manufacturing Cloud features to how manufacturers plan revenue.

What is different about selling to a manufacturer compared with other industries?

What they are checking: Whether they understand dealer networks, long sales cycles and plant-level realities.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Huron Consulting.

Huron is a global consultancy that collaborates with clients to drive strategic growth, ignite innovation and navigate constant change. Through a combination of strategy, expertise and creativity, we help clients accelerate operational, digital and cultural transformation, enabling the change they need to own their future. Join our team as the expert you are now and create your future. As an Industry Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Manufacturing sector, this Sr. Director-level role will work closely with Huron executives, our Go-To-Market (GTM) team, our Technology team, and Salesforce to define industry points of view (PoVs) that will be converted into sales plays based on Manufacturing industry needs and market trends. The director will draw on deep Manufacturing industry experience, knowledge of Salesforce Manufacturing Cloud, and existing client and Salesforce relationships to create compelling, differentiated, and defensible industry perspectives that resonate with clients and distinguish Huron in the market. The director must be comfortable presenting to clients, engaging C-level executives, and serving as a trusted Manufacturing advisor. The role also includes guiding our technology and delivery teams to visualize and enable PoVs and GTM strategies through the creation of demonstrable Salesforce assets and accelerators. Success will be measured by direct and indirect revenue generated through the GTM initiatives, pipeline growth within the Manufacturing vertical, and strategic collaboration with Salesforce to expand Huron’s industry presence. • Collaborate with Huron and Salesforce leadership to define and execute Manufacturing GTM strategies aligned to market needs. • Develop data-driven industry PoVs that address topics such as digital supply chain, Industry 4.0, aftermarket services, customer experience transformation, and connected product ecosystems. • Translate PoVs into actionable sales plays and enablement assets for Huron’s business development teams. • Partner with Salesforce industry teams to align on joint GTM programs, events, and pipeline initiatives. • Leverage existing client relationships to identify and pursue new opportunities within the Manufacturing vertical. • Serve as a trusted industry advisor , providing strategic guidance on CRM transformations and Salesforce solutions. • Support proposal development , client presentations, and executive briefings to advance pursuits and shape opportunities. • Guide the creation of demonstrable assets, prototypes, and accelerators to bring GTM strategies to life. • Measure and report on the impact of GTM and PoV initiatives on pipeline, sales, and client engagement. Required Qualifications: • A strong desire to work in the management consulting industry. • Over 10 years of experience in the Manufacturing industry , preferably across sub-sectors such as Industrial, Automotive, Consumer Goods, or High Tech. • Demonstrated comprehensive understanding and extensive experience within the Manufacturing sector, including industry challenges, customer expectations, and digital transformation trends. • Thorough knowledge of the Manufacturing market , with the ability to leverage insights to anticipate evolving client needs and develop innovative CRM strategies. • Proven experience with Salesforce platforms—particularly Manufacturing Cloud, Sales Cloud, and Service Cloud —and familiarity with the Salesforce partner ecosystem. • Strong relationships within the Manufacturing client community and Salesforce organization, with a track record of driving collaborative go-to-market success. • Ability to develop and clearly articulate Manufacturing industry trends, best practices, and future-state visions both internally at Huron and externally to clients. • Skilled in defining points of view, lessons learned, success stories, and case studies that demonstrate measurable value and differentiation. • Confidence operating at senior client levels , including directors, VPs, and C-suite executives. • Exceptional presentation and communication skills , both written and verbal, including proficiency in PowerPoint and executive storytelling. • Prior consulting or professional services experience is highly desirable. • Bachelor’s degree required in a business-related or technical field; advanced degree preferred. The estimated base salary for this job is $215,000 - $275,000. The range represents a good faith estimate of the range that Huron reasonably expects to pay for this job at the time of the job posting. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to specific skills or certifications, years of experience, market changes, and required travel. This job is also eligible to participate in Huron’s annual incentive compensation program, which reflects Huron’s pay for performance philosophy. Inclusive of annual incentive compensation opportunity, the total estimated compensation range for this job is $279,500 - $357,500. The job is also eligible to participate in Huron’s benefit plans which include medical, dental and vision coverage and other wellness programs. The salary range information provided is in accordance with applicable state and local laws regarding salary transparency that are currently in effect and may be implemented in the future. Position Level Senior Director Country United States of America

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