What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales Specialist - Industrial Panels position at Interstates?
Take Charge of Your Career at Interstates
At Interstates, we don't just show up to work, we show up for each other. From our headquarters in Iowa to job sites across the country, we're doing award-winning electrical, controls, automation, and OT work that powers industrial facilities for clients here in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you're bending conduit, wiring panels, writing code, supporting projects, or helping things run behind the scenes, you'll be part of a crew that works hard, shares laughs, and takes pride in doing quality work. We believe in building strong teams, doing the right thing, and making a difference in the communities where we live. If you want to grow and do meaningful work, you'll feel at home here.
Are you driven by building lasting client relationships, growing new business, and delivering exceptional industrial solutions? Interstates is looking for a passionate and dynamic Sales Specialist – Industrial Panels to lead sales growth within the industrial automation and control panels market—focusing on expanding our repeatable panel program offerings.
As a key member of our Manufactured Solutions team, you will play an instrumental role in identifying, developing, and closing opportunities with new and existing clients. This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with account owners, technical experts, and our broader business development team to deliver both standardized and custom panel solutions that address our clients' unique challenges.
What You'll Do:
- Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities in the industrial panels space.
- Promote Interstates' full suite of Manufactured Solutions (Mods, Skids, Panels), making internal referrals or partnerships as needed.
- Understand clients' business and technical needs, delivering tailored recommendations.
- Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, internal teams, and project partners.
- Monitor market trends, competitors, and sector growth opportunities.
- Proactively generate and manage a sales pipeline—through outreach, referrals, industry events, and networking.
- Win new clients and expand business with existing accounts, collaborating across internal teams.
- Create, negotiate, and close contracts for repeatable panel programs and associated services.
- Identify upsell opportunities, including new panel types and value-added solutions.
- Represent Interstates at tradeshows, client meetings, and industry functions.
- Coordinate proposals with estimators, technical teams, and product experts.
- Work alongside technical experts to ensure client solutions meet engineering standards.
- Stay up to date on advancements in automation and control panel technologies.
- Maintain accurate CRM records and report on sales pipeline, progress, and account status.
- Assist in improving proposal processes and overall sales execution.
- Consistently meet or exceed sales targets and key performance metrics.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field or equivalent experience.
- 3–5 years of technical B2B sales experience—preferably in industrial automation, control panels, or related electrical systems.
- Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding sales goals.
- Expertise in consultative sales, needs analysis, and solution-based offerings.
- Proven experience managing and growing client relationships; volume-based contract sales a strong plus.
- Solid understanding of industrial control systems, electrical components, and automation.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across multi-disciplinary teams.
Travel: Willingness and ability to travel extensively (50-75%), regionally and nationally, to client sites, program launches, tradeshows, and industry events.
Location: This position may be based out of our Sioux Falls, SD, Sioux Center, IA, or Omaha, NE offices.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans with options to fit your needs
- Generous PTO with a true work-life balance philosophy — unplug and recharge
- 401(k) plan to help you plan for the future
- Life and disability insurance for peace of mind
- Career coaching and advancement programs tailored to your goals
- Competitive compensation performance incentives
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Opportunities for career growth and cross-functional development
- Engaged, innovative, and supportive culture
What You Should Know Before You Apply
Interstates may collect personal information as part of your job application, such as your contact details, work history, education, and any information you provide. This information is used only for recruitment, to evaluate your candidacy, and to meet legal requirements. For details about our privacy practices and your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please see our Privacy Policy. By applying, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this notice.
Interstates is an EEO provider and offers a drug-free workplace. Employment at Interstates is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without notice or cause, except as otherwise provided by law.