Sales & Business Development Manager Industrial Automation

Guildhall is running this search for a well-established manufacturer of industrial automation hardware expanding its presence in new markets. Selling a range of industrial automation hardware directly to end users. There is no existing customer base to inherit here the territory is wide open and the mandate is to build it. Backed by a manufacturer with the resources to support long-term growth. The role • Build a heavy-industry customer base across the Gulf from zero • Sell automation hardware direct to plant owners, EPCs and end users • Lead major projects from first contact through to signed contract • Manage key accounts in oil & gas, mining, metals, cement or paper • Develop local distributors and system integrators as sales channels • Shape regional sales strategy and identify target accounts yourself What's on offer • A ground-floor mandate to build a territory, not inherit one • Backing from a global-scale automation manufacturer • Direct exposure to major industrial end users across the Gulf • Room to shape regional strategy as the first hire on the ground Why apply through Guildhall • Boutique executive search firm in Dubai, established 2010 • 8x independent industry awards since 2020 • 4.9-star Google rating from 250+ reviews • Direct access to the retained consultant running this search Hiring a Heavy Industry Sales Manager in Dubai or Saudi Arabia Global automation manufacturers are pushing further into the Gulf as oil & gas, mining, metals and cement operators invest in modernising plant equipment. A Heavy Industry Sales Manager in this market typically owns a territory of end-user accounts directly, working alongside EPCs, distributors and system integrators rather than inheriting a managed book. These hires are usually made when a manufacturer has limited or no existing presence in the region and needs someone with their own network to open the first accounts. It is a market where personal relationships with plant owners and procurement teams matter more than brand recognition alone. Common questions • 5 10+ years in industrial automation or technical sales to industry • Existing relationships with plant owners, EPCs or procurement teams • Working knowledge of common industrial automation hardware is expected. • A record of closing major projects, not just managing orders • Fluent English for international teams and customers