Growth & Strategy Manager

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Growth & Strategy Manager 🔹 Company: Cogent Talent Solutions 🔹 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States 🔹 Job Type: Full Time 🔹 Category: Manufacturing, Sales & Marketing 🔹 Date Posted: June 21, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years 🔹 Remote Status: On-site 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and executing sales plans and strategies to achieve targets - Managing the entire sales cycle from prospecting to acquisition - Building and maintaining relationships with key accounts and customers - Collaborating with production teams to ensure customer satisfaction - Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to expand market presence - Directing marketing efforts to increase brand recognition and drive inquiry

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and a proven track record in sales, preferably within the manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with frequent travel and have a thorough understanding of machining processes.

📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Develop and execute sales plans, strategies, and tactics to achieve sales targets ✅ Manage the entire sales cycle from prospecting to acquisition ✅ Conduct sales calls and qualify new business opportunities ✅ Maintain and cultivate relationships with key accounts, address client concerns, and ensure customer satisfaction ✅ Develop sound professional relationships with customers’ key engineers to ensure accurate comprehension and understanding of requirements and deliverables ✅ Drive RFQ process from bid submission and final negotiation to Closed Won/Lost ✅ Work collaboratively with Production and other team members to ensure On-Time Delivery (OTD) is met and production issues are communicated in a timely manner to customers ✅ Liaise with in-house engineers, accounting, and other departments to ensure customer satisfaction ✅ Monitor and analyze sales performance, identify areas for improvement, and report on sales results ✅ Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand market presence ✅ Direct Marketing team to identify customer and product segments ✅ Develop marketing plans, strategies, and tactics to generate brand awareness and drive inquiry within those segments ✅ Drive activities that increase brand recognition and reputation within core market segments ✅ Direct market analysis of local competition to ensure competitive advantage

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may change based on business needs. The role requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Experience: 5-7 years of successful sales experience, preferably in manufacturing

Required Skills:

• Strong prospecting skills with the ability to build and manage a sales pipeline
• Demonstrated ability to set and meet sales targets aligned with corporate objectives
• Proven negotiation and critical thinking skills
• Clear and concise communication skills with strong interpersonal abilities
• Strong leadership qualities with a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Thorough understanding of machining processes, including CNC machining and fabrication
• Knowledge of production parts markets, customer preferences, and the machine shop industry
• Self-starter who is ethical, honest, and trustworthy
• Highly organized with strong time management, multitasking, and prioritization skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experienced with CRM systems (HubSpot preferred) and data analysis tools

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, French, German, etc.)
• Experience with marketing automation tools
• Background in strategic planning or business development

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience with CRM systems and data analysis tools is highly preferred. Familiarity with HubSpot would be a significant advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40,000 - $50,000 per year

Benefits:

• Commission opportunities with a first-year earning potential ranging from $100,000 to $150,000
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (not specified)
• 401(k) plan with company match (not specified)
• Paid time off and holidays (not specified)

Working Hours: Full-time position with frequent travel (50% or more) to customers, industry events, and other stakeholders when needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Growth & Strategy Manager role with 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing. Benefits information is not explicitly stated but can be assumed to be competitive with industry standards for similar roles.

📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context

Industry: Business Consulting and Services

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 2014

Company Description:

• Cogent Talent Solutions is a privately-held business consulting firm committed to serving privately held businesses in the US
• The company focuses on improving the lives of business owners by providing honest and effective business consulting services
• Cogent Analytics has grown from a small team of six to a thriving organization of over 220 dedicated professionals serving Main Street businesses across 36 U.S. states

Company Specialties:

• Business Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Profit Engineering
• Sales Performance Improvement
• Exit & Succession Planning
• Tax Minimization
• Small Business Consultants
• Organizational Engineering
• Marketing
• Tax Strategy
• Reporting Systems
• Accounting and Operations

Company Website: www.cogentanalytics.com

ASSUMPTION: Cogent Talent Solutions is a growing company with a strong focus on small to mid-sized businesses. Their commitment to improving the lives of business owners sets them apart in the consulting industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level management role

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the CEO and works collaboratively with the Production, Engineering, and Marketing teams

Work Arrangement: On-site with frequent travel (50% or more) to customers, industry events, and other stakeholders when needed

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership or executive role within the company
• Opportunities to expand market presence and increase brand recognition
• Chance to work on diverse projects across various industries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand market presence and increase brand recognition. The role also provides exposure to diverse projects across various industries.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site office location

Office Location(s): Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

Geographic Context:

• Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in Indiana, with a population of approximately 260,000
• The city is known for its manufacturing industry, with a strong presence of automotive, healthcare, and defense companies
• Fort Wayne offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing and a variety of cultural attractions

Work Schedule: Full-time position with frequent travel (50% or more) to customers, industry events, and other stakeholders when needed

ASSUMPTION: Fort Wayne offers a competitive job market with a strong manufacturing industry. The low cost of living and variety of cultural attractions make it an attractive location for professionals.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or video interview with the CEO and other team members
• Background check and reference checks
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Communication and interpersonal abilities
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your sales experience, strategic planning skills, and understanding of machining processes
• Prepare examples of your sales strategies, marketing plans, and customer relationship management skills
• Research the company and industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role

ATS Keywords: Sales, Strategy, Marketing, Machining, Manufacturing, CRM, Negotiation, Customer Relationships, Business Development, Market Expansion, Brand Recognition

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on sales and strategic thinking skills. Demonstrating a strong understanding of machining processes and the manufacturing industry will be essential for success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• HubSpot (CRM and marketing automation)
• Data analysis tools (not specified)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and HubSpot is essential for this role. Experience with data analysis tools would be an asset.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• People-centric approach
• Honesty and ethical business practices
• Support, growth, and recognition for team members
• Commitment to improving the lives of business owners

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing business needs
• Results-driven and focused on achieving sales targets
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record in sales, with a strong focus on strategic planning and execution?
• Are you comfortable with frequent travel and working collaboratively with diverse teams?
• Do you share Cogent Talent Solutions' commitment to improving the lives of business owners?

ASSUMPTION: Cogent Talent Solutions values a people-centric approach, honesty, and ethical business practices. Candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a commitment to improving the lives of business owners will be a good fit for the company.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of sales calls and customer interactions
• Balancing sales targets with customer satisfaction and relationship management
• Adapting to frequent travel and changing business needs
• Keeping up with industry trends and market changes in the manufacturing sector

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges, including managing a high volume of sales calls and customer interactions, balancing sales targets with customer satisfaction, and adapting to frequent travel. Successful candidates will be able to manage these challenges effectively and thrive in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other sales management positions in its focus on strategic planning and market expansion within the manufacturing industry
• Industry-specific context: The manufacturing sector is competitive and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and quality control
• Career path comparison: This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to expand market presence and increase brand recognition

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on strategic planning and market expansion within the manufacturing industry. Candidates with experience in sales management roles within the manufacturing sector will be well-positioned for success in this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a sales plan to increase market share in the automotive industry
• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in the healthcare sector
• Driving brand recognition and reputation within core market segments through targeted marketing campaigns

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and market-focused nature of this role. Successful candidates will have experience developing and executing sales plans, identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, and driving brand recognition through targeted marketing campaigns.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's strategic goals for the next 1-3 years, and how this role contributes to achieving them?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that framework?
• How does the company measure success for this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be expected to track?
• What opportunities exist for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other departments and teams within the company?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the company's strategic goals, culture, and expectations for this role. This information will be invaluable in preparing for the interview and assessing the fit between your career goals and the opportunities presented by this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your sales experience, strategic planning skills, and understanding of machining processes
• Prepare examples of your sales strategies, marketing plans, and customer relationship management skills
• Research the company and industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.