Regional Sales Manager - Cottage Grove - GEA

Description

Responsibilities / Tasks

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we're not just building equipment, we're building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $100,000 - $150,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Job Summary
The Regional Sales Manager (RSM) is responsible for driving new and custom plant business related to GEA's equipment offerings within the Food Ingredients and Freeze-Drying markets. This role requires a consultative selling approach focused on building strong customer relationships, identifying and qualifying leads, and gathering market intelligence. The RSM ensures accurate communication of customer needs to internal teams and coordinates sales activities across various company functions to deliver a seamless customer experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Achieve annual capital equipment order targets for the assigned territory and technology matrix as set by the Director.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key buyers to support lead identification, qualification, and market intelligence gathering.
• Proactively penetrate the market to generate new business opportunities. Ensure customer requirements are clearly communicated internally and collaborate cross-functionally to support the sales process.
• Promote and sell GEA systems while representing the company in a professional and credible manner.
• Identify, qualify, pursue, and secure sales leads.
• Develop trusted customer relationships built on expertise, integrity, and responsiveness.
• Gather and communicate sales and market intelligence, including competition, pricing trends, and project developments.
• Respond to phone and written inquiries promptly, following up consistently throughout the sales cycle until final customer action.
• Collaborate with GEA process and mechanical engineers for technical guidance as needed.
• Prepare and deliver persuasive formal proposal presentations.
• Participate in assigned trade shows to support market visibility and lead generation.
• Negotiate secrecy agreements and sales terms & conditions in coordination with Business Unit management.
• Issue order confirmations and participate in internal turnover meetings with project management, product managers, engineers, purchasing, and administrative teams.
• Maintain accurate activity reports, proposal statuses, and sales forecasts.
• Manage travel and entertainment expenses in a timely and responsible manner.
• Support overall team objectives by completing additional tasks as assigned.
• Coordinate with the Service organization to ensure a unified "one face to the customer" approach on visits, technical solutions, and pricing.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Outgoing and driven personality with a strong desire to win business and close deals.
• Ability to understand and work with legal documents, including secrecy agreements and sales terms & conditions.
• General knowledge of food processing equipment, ideally with exposure to drying technologies.
• Strong ability to understand and communicate technical data and complex engineering systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to provide timely and effective feedback to both internal teams and customers.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel extensively based on sales needs and industry events—committed to doing "whatever it takes" to secure business.
• Residence within the assigned territory, preferably near a major airport.
• Proficiency with MS Office and strong overall computer skills.
• Self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills; able to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably supplemented with additional commercial or business education.
• In lieu of a degree, 7+ years of experience in a similar capital sales role, with experience in Freeze Drying, Spray Drying, or Evaporation technology, will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of sales experience, preferably including skills in contract negotiation or other relevant experience.

• Willingness to travel up to 50%, including domestic and international travel.

• Must hold a valid passport and a valid U.S. driver's license.

At GEA, we don't just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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