Pneumatic Sales Manager

Founded in 1923 by Roy Thorp, Thorp Controls, formerly Barr-Thorp Electric Company, is a third generation, family-owned business that has grown through consistently delivering outstanding service, quality products, and expert support. Our industry edge is supplying automation products that require engineering assistance for proper selection and installation. However, as a full-line distributor, we offer a full breadth of products, including items that are commonly considered commodities.

Our diverse customer base comprises OEMs, system integrators, and industrial users. Thorp Controls works hard to ensure our customers' operations run optimally and sustainably. We offer expertise in applying the best technology to improve production flow. Whether they are an OEM needing new ideas or a plant engineer trying to fix an ongoing problem. We have a century of excellence behind us, and Thorp Controls will figure it out.

Thorp Controls has seven locations in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado. We believe that outsourcing can be avoided by implementing the right technology.

About The Role

Thorp Controls Automation Solutions is searching for the right candidate to join our Solutions Team and lead sales growth of pneumatics and vacuum products and solutions across all locations. This role requires regular travel across our territories. While we offer flexibility in base location, preference will be given to candidates based out of Kansas City.

What You'll Do

• Develop deep expertise in SMC and Coval product portfolios.
• Proactively identify and pursue pneumatics sales opportunities in collaboration with Thorp Controls account managers and SMC personnel.
• Lead both independent and joint sales calls to promote SMC and Coval solutions, understand customer pain points, and propose technical solutions that align with business goals.
• Create and deliver compelling presentations and live product demonstrations for engineers, decision-makers, and plant personnel.
• Support marketing initiatives to build awareness and demand for SMC and Coval products and solutions.
• Educate and coach Thorp Controls’ sales team on SMC and Coval solutions to help them recognize and qualify leads.
• Track and manage sales opportunities in Thorp Controls’ CRM, ensuring clear communication and proper handoffs across all teams.
• Serve as a liaison between SMC and Coval field sales and Thorp Controls to foster strong distributor-manufacturer collaborations.
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a technical sales, business development, or applications engineering role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a positive, team-oriented approach.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly learn new technologies and apply them in industrial automation environments.
• Self-motivated and organized, capable of managing multiple priorities in a matrixed team structure.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience selling or supporting technical products in industrial markets, particularly within OEM, system integrator, or plant engineering accounts.
• Background in pneumatics systems, especially system specification and design.
• Familiarity with SMC pneumatics and automation products.
• Existing relationships with industrial customers in the Midwest (KS, MO, NE, CO) is a plus.