TH BENDER Hiring for Head of US Sales (Home office, East Coast preferred) at Chicago, IL Full Time

Our client is a trusted and well-known provider of reliable and sustainable fire prevention and fire suppression systems serving various industries. The company is leading an industry that is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. As part of its expansion efforts, our client is actively searching for a hands-on and entrepreneurial Head of US Sales to guide and further establish its success and market share in the Americas.

TH Bender has been retained to lead the search for an experienced Head of US Sales to build and manage strategic relationships with prospective clients and partners within the identified target markets. This role will be central to the company’s growth strategy in an industry that is expected to grow significantly over the next few years.

This executive will be responsible for all sales and business development initiatives in North America and will directly to the global HQ in Europe.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and analyze market potential, particularly in fire prevention and protection systems. Identify opportunities for sales and business development and execute agreed upon strategies to meet business objectives.
• Proactively hunt cloud services/datacenter projects and energy sector projects (e.g., power plants, solar, windfarm, nuclear, oil & gas, battery, etc.).
• Build relationships with advisors and specifiers who design datacenters – either within the datacenter owners’ organizations or externally.
• Explore relevant projects in other segments (e.g., car manufacturing, battery, semiconductor).
• Work with specifiers/consultants/advisors, decision makers and influencers for such projects.
• Work closely with the Global Business Development Director and the Chief Commercial Officer in establishing partnerships in the targeted markets.
• Support and participate in local and global trade fairs, conferences, etc.
• Represent the organization in important external business relationships with major clients, joint venture partners, and the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or any related discipline is required. Candidates with a strong and documented background are encouraged to apply.
• Several years of leadership experience in sales and/or business development capacity.
• Relevant background in fire protection systems is highly preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in selling equipment and/or technical solutions within target markets.
• Experience selling to data centers / cloud services providers as well as key influencing advisors, specifiers, and end users;
• Sales experience within the Energy sector is a big plus.
• Experience with CRMs or equivalent systems.
• High level of project management, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent sales-related skill set; knowledge of the sales process, ability to develop and execute effective sales strategies, develop comprehensive sales proposals, and negotiate complex contracts.
• Sound understanding of commercial business practices and the ability to align sales activities to support greater organizational objectives.
• A global perspective and awareness; direct experience working across diverse cultures would be beneficial.

Location: Home office; flexible but East Coast preferred