Business Development Manager Industrial Automation

The Business Development Manager – Industrial Automation is a senior individual contributor responsible for identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities for Branson Ultrasonics’ full technology portfolio — including ultrasonic, laser, vibration, and metal welding systems and industrial cleaning – within the industrial automation space. This role targets systems integrators, OEM machine builders, and end-user manufacturers deploying automated assembly lines where advanced welding and assembly or precision cleaning technology delivers measurable process and quality advantages. The BDM serves as Branson’s primary growth engine in the automation segment, partnering closely with Territory Sales Engineers, application engineering, and product management to develop integrated, automation-compatible solutions. Success in this role requires fluency in automated assembly system design, robot integration, and the decision dynamics of both end-users and the integrators who serve them. 

• Develop and execute a business development strategy for the industrial automation segment across the Americas, targeting systems integrators, OEM machine builders, and end-user manufacturers in consumer products, electronics, packaging, and general industrial verticals. 
• Identify and prioritize opportunities where Branson's welding or precision cleaning technology can be designed into automated assembly platforms, replacing manual processes or competitive solutions. 
• Establish Branson as the preferred joining and cleaning technology partner in the integrator and machine builder community, building design and engineering level relationships to influence standard configurations and preferred vendor status. 
• Develop market-specific value propositions and ROI tools that quantify cycle time, quality, scrap reduction, and integration benefits versus alternatives. 
• Build strategic relationships with engineering, integration, and procurement decision makers, acting as a trusted automation technology advisor. 
• Lead application discovery conversations, including review of machine line designs, cycle time requirements, part geometry, and material specifications, to recommend technically accurate solutions. 
• Collaborate with application engineers to scope feasibility studies, define robot integration requirements, and deliver proof-of-concept demonstrations. 
• Manage the full business development cycle from lead identification through program design, commercial proposal, and handoff to account management, maintaining complete CRM records. 
• Develop expert knowledge of Branson's ultrasonic and vibration welding system interfaces, including discrete I/O, fieldbus/Ethernet protocols (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP), and data output capabilities for automated cell integration. 
• Work with application engineering and product management to define automation-specific product requirements (mounting, integration interfaces, cycle timing, data logging) and feed market input into the product roadmap. 
• Evaluate and recommend solutions for complex multi-station, multi-process automated assembly challenges using Branson's full portfolio and third-party integration partners. 
• Provide regular pipeline reviews, revenue forecasts, and program status updates to sales leadership. 
• Develop detailed account and partner plans for key integrators and machine builders, documenting technology preferences, active programs, competitive landscape, and pursuit strategy. 
• Track project timelines, machine line build schedules, and production startup milestones to forecast revenue and coordinate application engineering and customer service support. 
• Work with Territory Sales Engineers to coordinate pursuit strategies on large automation programs, ensuring consistent messaging and aligned commercial terms across integrator and end-user stakeholders. 
• Build a Community of Practice of territory sales engineers and application engineers serving automation, sharing strategy, competitive intelligence, customer drivers, and multi-site support. 
• Partner with product management, marketing, and application engineering on automation-specific content, including integration guides, product selection tools, and trade show demonstrations. 
• Represent Branson at key automation and manufacturing technology events (e.g., ASSEMBLY Show, ATX, Automate, Pack Expo) to build visibility among integrators, machine builders, and manufacturing engineers. 
• Monitor competitive automation offerings, integrator partnership programs, and emerging assembly technology trends, and brief sales and product leadership to inform strategy and roadmap.