What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales Manager position at Fives?
Position Summary
Sales Manager / Customer Support & Services – Cement & Mineral Processing Equipment (Rotary Kilns & Mills)
Location: Birmingham, AL (50% travel required, with flexibility for remote/home office work)
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced professional with a strong background in the cement and mineral processing industries, combining technical understanding of rotary kilns, ball mills, and heavy process equipment with a clear commercial and customer development mindset.
This role is primarily focused on sales development, customer relationship management, and service business growth, supported by sufficient technical expertise to understand plant operations, engage credibly with customer engineering and maintenance teams, and translate technical needs into commercial opportunities.
As a key representative of the company in the field, you will act as a trusted sales and service partner, strengthening long-term customer relationships and driving growth of service, spare parts, and equipment upgrade business across the U.S. market.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development (Core Focus)
Required Qualifications
Sales Manager / Customer Support & Services – Cement & Mineral Processing Equipment (Rotary Kilns & Mills)
Location: Birmingham, AL (50% travel required, with flexibility for remote/home office work)
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced professional with a strong background in the cement and mineral processing industries, combining technical understanding of rotary kilns, ball mills, and heavy process equipment with a clear commercial and customer development mindset.
This role is primarily focused on sales development, customer relationship management, and service business growth, supported by sufficient technical expertise to understand plant operations, engage credibly with customer engineering and maintenance teams, and translate technical needs into commercial opportunities.
As a key representative of the company in the field, you will act as a trusted sales and service partner, strengthening long-term customer relationships and driving growth of service, spare parts, and equipment upgrade business across the U.S. market.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development (Core Focus)
- Develop and grow service and aftermarket business in the cement, lime, and mineral processing industries.
- Identify customer needs and convert them into commercial opportunities (service contracts, shutdowns, spare parts, upgrades, modernization projects).
- Build and maintain strong long-term relationships with plant managers, maintenance managers, and engineering teams.
- Act as the main commercial and technical point of contact for assigned customers.
- Represent the company at customer meetings, industry events, and technical conferences.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer investment plans to identify new opportunities.
- Provide credible technical support and guidance on rotary kilns, ball mills, and related process equipment.
- Participate in field visits, inspections, and technical assessments to support sales and service opportunities.
- Help customers identify root causes of equipment issues and propose effective maintenance or upgrade solutions.
- Translate technical findings into clear commercial proposals and value-based recommendations.
- Coordinate and support field service activities when required (maintenance, inspections, repair campaigns).
- Ensure alignment between customer expectations, field execution, and internal service teams.
- Support planning of site interventions, including scope definition, resources, and subcontractor coordination.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and site requirements during field activities.
- Act as a trusted advisor to customers, combining technical credibility with strong commercial acumen.
- Strengthen collaboration between customers, field teams, and internal engineering resources.
- Promote a strong safety culture and professional service mindset in all customer interactions.
Required Qualifications
- 7–10 years of experience in cement, lime, or mineral processing industries.
- Strong experience with rotary kilns, ball mills, and heavy industrial equipment.
- Proven experience in customer-facing roles (sales, service, technical support, or field supervision).
- Strong mechanical understanding and ability to interpret technical drawings and operational data.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to develop opportunities and build long-term customer relationships.
- Strong communication skills, able to engage both technical and executive-level stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel extensively (up to 60%)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Experience in technical sales, aftermarket sales, or key account management.
- Existing network within the cement, lime, or mining industries in the U.S.
- Background in OEMs, industrial service companies, or heavy equipment suppliers.
- Ability to prepare clear, structured technical-commercial proposals and presentations.