Sr Business Development Manager - Automation & Factory Solutions - Northern IL

Overview GCG is currently seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to join our Automation & Factory Solutions (AFS) sales team in the northern Illinois area ! This is a high-energy, growth-oriented sales role focused exclusively on acquiring new customers and driving revenue through strategic outreach and consultative selling. You’ll build and manage your own pipeline, convert prospects into loyal clients, and play a vital role in expanding our automation and factory solutions business. If you’re a motivated industrial sales pro with a strong technical foundation and a passion for winning new business, this is the opportunity for you! This role requires approximately 50% to 60% day travel in and around northern Illinois to facilitate sales calls and discovery meetings with potential customers. When not engaged in work related travel, this role offers a remote work arrangement. What You'll Do Own and execute a territory-based strategy focused on winning new customer accounts Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospects using outbound prospecting and digital engagement Cold call, network, and attend industry events to build awareness and relationships Target OEMs, manufacturers, and automation-driven businesses with structured outreach Conduct needs assessments and discovery meetings to qualify opportunities Deliver tailored presentations and propose solutions that meet customer needs Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to develop competitive solutions Use Salesforce and sales engagement tools to track progress and manage follow-ups Meet or exceed KPIs including meetings booked, pipeline value, and new wins Contribute to a culture of performance, accountability, and team growth What You'll Bring 5+ years of experience in B2B sales or business development (automation, controls, or industrial distribution strongly preferred) Strong prospecting, pipeline-building, and closing capabilities Consultative sales approach and ability to tailor messages to technical and business audiences Familiarity with Salesforce, ZoomInfo, and other modern sales tools (preferred) Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred Valid driver’s license and clean driving record Self-starter with a high level of motivation, organization, and follow-through What We Offer Competitive base salary ranging from $100,000 to $115,000 and business growth based commission plan Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options (CDHP and PPO) to get you the coverage you need Robust Financial Security: Company-paid life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, plus options for supplemental critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity plans Generous Time Off: PTO plan with paid holidays, paid parental leave, and paid compassionate care leave to support personal well-being and family needs Wellness & Support Programs: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and telehealth access Extras That Matter: Dental and vision plans, FSAs/HSAs with company contributions, pet insurance, legal services, and ID theft protection for peace of mind An employee-centric company that values and truly appreciates our most important asset: You! About GCG Automation & Factory Solutions GCG Automation & Factory Solutions is dedicated to advancing the growth of automation and factory solutions across key verticals in North America. With a comprehensive product and service offering that spans the entire automation value chain, our customers trust us as a reliable partner to meet their diverse needs. Our strength lies in our deep technical expertise and specialized knowledge of the products we offer. This enables us to support customers in deploying and delivering high-quality, efficient solutions tailored to their specific requirements. Our commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience—marked by responsiveness, reliability, and personalized service—sets us apart as the supplier of choice in the industry. This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. GCG provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. #LI-hybrid #LI-AW1