R&D Sales Manager

R&D Sales Manager

This position will be located at Forge's headquarters in Thornton, Colorado.  Preference will be given to local candidates as there is no relocation monies for this position.

Summary

Forge Nano Inc., a fast-growing nano-technology company with a focus on precision, R&D- and commercial-scale ALD nano-coatings across a wide range of markets, is seeking an experienced and high-energy R&D Sales Manager. As an R&D Sales Manager, you will be a key player in driving new customer acquisition and aggressively pursuing new opportunities. Your primary focus will be on prospecting, lead nurturing, technical qualification, proposal development, negotiation and closing for our R&D equipment ALD systems. You should possess a unique blend of technical expertise and sales acumen, allowing you to effectively communicate the value of our solutions to potential clients. As part of the Sales Team, you will play a crucial role in propelling our company's growth and success. The R&D Sales Manager is an individual contributor role and not a manager of other employees.

Responsibilities

The R&D Sales Manager will be responsible for the below listed tasks and skills (not exhaustive):

1. Sales Leadership: Lead sales efforts and develop/maintain a sales channel for our R&D and Pilot-scale ALD systems. Follow objectives and provide performance reporting toward sales targets to Sales Leadership.

2. Technical and Sales Proficiency:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of our R&D ALD equipment, its applications and the value it provides for our customers. Provide technical guidance for R&D tools and our large-scale powder tools. 

• Provide technical guidance for R&D ALDx tools as needed.

• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive offerings.

• Manage ALDx sales leads as the point salesperson from qualification to Closed/Won sales stages.
• Assist in complex technical discussions, product demonstrations, and troubleshooting.

3. Sales Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy for R&D ALD equipment to research institutions, universities, and corporate development labs. Identify potential clients, understand purchasing cycles, and achieve revenue targets.

4. Product Knowledge: Stay at the forefront of ALD technology and our equipment offerings for the lab-scale and R&D products. Provide insights to the product development team based on customer feedback and industry trends.

5. Customer Relationships: Build and nurture strong and lasting relationships with both existing and potential customers. Understand their specific needs, challenges, and goals to offer tailored solutions.

6. Sales Presentations: Create and deliver compelling presentations and technical proposals to showcase the benefits of our R&D ALD equipment tools. Clearly articulate the value proposition to prospects.

7. Market Research: Stay informed about market trends, competitors, and emerging opportunities related to R&D ALD trends, and other high-tech industries. Use this information to refine sales strategies and identify new market segments that can benefit from our solutions.

8. Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Marketing, and Technical Service, to ensure customer satisfaction and resolve any technical issues promptly.

9. Outside Events: Participate in necessary trade shows and technical conferences.

10. Documentation: Ensure accurate record-keeping of sales activities, customer interactions, and market data. Prepare sales reports and forecasts for management. All activity must be documented in SalesForce.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in relevant STEM discipline and 3+ years of direct sales experience.

• Proven experience in equipment sales to educational institutions, research institutions, or high-tech industry end-users, with a focus on ALD or similar capital equipment, and a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

• Knowledge of Additive Manufacturing, battery materials, and other high-tech processes to provide technical guidance and support is a required. 

• Strong technical background and an in-depth understanding of particle ALD processes.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers and collaborate with a diversified sales team.

• Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Willingness to travel as needed to meet with customers and attend industry events.

• Hands-on experience with CRM software, preferably SalesForce.

If you are an ambitious and results-oriented individual who thrives on hunting for new business opportunities and enjoys the challenge of closing deals, we welcome you to join our dynamic team at Forge Nano. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on our company's growth and your professional career. Apply now and let's shape the future together.

Preferred Skills:

• Presentation Skills

• Project Management

• Client Relationship Building

• Negotiation

• Prospecting Skills

• Creativity

• Sales Planning

• Independence

• Self-motivated

Work Environment

Work will be predominantly in an office environment. The employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toe shoes, lab coat, and in the plant, a hard hat. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Forge Nano follows all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols and accepted candidates must be willing to adhere to these policies.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Travel

>60% travel may be required.

Compensation/Benefits

$90K – 115K, Depending on experience. This position is commission eligible

Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account, and 401(k) plan with employer match

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.