Outside Sales Representative - Material Handling Systems

Cogentanalytics · Indianapolis, IN

Job Summary

The Sales Representative is responsible for generating new business opportunities, developing customer relationships, and converting qualified opportunities into profitable, well-executed projects. Reporting to the General Manager or Owner, this role owns front-end sales activity, opportunity qualification, and customer engagement while working closely with Internal Sales, Project Management, and Operations. The Sales Representative plays a critical role in ensuring the company grows intentionally and profitably.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Proactive Sales and Business Development
  • Execute consistent outbound sales activity including calls, visits, and follow-ups aligned with weekly activity targets.
  • Identify, pursue, and develop new customer relationships and opportunities.
  • Maintain regular onsite presence and proactive customer engagement.
  • Opportunity Qualification and Pipeline Management
  • Qualify opportunities based on scope, fit, timing, and profitability.
  • Enter and maintain all opportunities in the CRM with complete and accurate data.
  • Maintain clear next steps and follow-up dates for every active opportunity.
  • Solution Development and Customer Engagement
  • Collaborate with Internal Sales, Design, and Engineering to define appropriate solutions.
  • Communicate Progressive Handling’s value proposition clearly to customers.
  • Support proposal development and decision-making through timely follow-up.
  • Profit-Focused Selling
  • Ensure all opportunities align with breakeven and margin requirements.
  • Support pricing discipline by pursuing work that fits capacity and margin targets.
  • Avoid selling work that creates execution or profitability risk.
  • Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Coordinate handoff of won work to Internal Sales and Project Management.
  • Support smooth transition from sale to execution with clear expectations.
  • Remain engaged to support customer satisfaction and long-term relationships.
  • Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • 3 - 7 years of experience in outside sales, business development, or account management.
  • Experience selling industrial, material handling, or project-based solutions preferred.
  • Comfort using CRM systems and structured sales tools.
  • Apply →