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Growth & Strategy Manager

Cogent Talent Solutions
Full-time
On-site
Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
πŸš€ Growth Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Growth & Strategy Manager

πŸ”Ή Company: Cogent Talent Solutions

πŸ”Ή Location: Fort Wayne, IN

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Business Consulting and Services

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 7, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and executing sales plans, strategies, and tactics to achieve sales targets.
  • Managing the entire sales cycle from prospecting to acquisition.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with key accounts to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Driving the RFQ process from bid submission to closed won/lost.
  • Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to expand market presence.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong sales acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Success in this position will significantly impact the company's growth and market presence.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Develop and execute sales plans, strategies, and tactics to achieve sales targets.

βœ… Manage the entire sales cycle from prospecting to acquisition.

βœ… Conduct sales calls and qualify new business opportunities.

βœ… Maintain and cultivate relationships with key accounts, address client concerns, and ensure customer satisfaction.

βœ… Develop sound professional relationships with customers’ key engineers to ensure accurate comprehension and understanding of requirements and deliverables.

βœ… Drive the RFQ process from bid submission and final negotiation to closed won/lost.

βœ… Work collaboratively with Production and other team members to ensure on-time delivery (OTD) and communicate production issues to customers in a timely manner.

βœ… Liaise with in-house engineers, accounting, and other departments to ensure customer satisfaction.

βœ… Monitor and analyze sales performance, identify areas for improvement, and report on sales results.

βœ… Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand market presence.

βœ… Direct the Marketing team to identify customer and product segments.

βœ… Develop marketing plans, strategies, and tactics to generate brand awareness and drive inquiry within those segments.

βœ… Drive activities that increase brand recognition and reputation within core market segments.

βœ… Direct market analysis of local competition to ensure competitive advantage.

βœ… Monitor and analyze performance, identify areas for improvement, and report on results.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to balance multiple priorities. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently are crucial for success in this position.

🎯 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:

  • Experience with marketing strategies and tactics
  • Knowledge of production parts markets, customer preferences, and the machine shop industry

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in manufacturing sales and a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets are strongly encouraged to apply. Familiarity with CRM systems and data analysis tools is essential for success in this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

  • Commission opportunities with first-year earning potential ranging from $100,000 to $150,000

Working Hours: Full-time, with frequent travel 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 in the manufacturing sector. The first-year earning potential, including commissions, can vary significantly based on individual performance and market conditions.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Business Consulting and Services, with a focus on small to mid-sized businesses

Company Size: 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 2014, with a brief history of growth and expansion in the business consulting sector

Company Description:

  • Cogent Analytics is 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 invests heavily in its team, fostering a culture of support, growth, and recognition

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 Analytics is a well-established company in the business consulting industry, with a strong focus on small to mid-sized businesses. The company's commitment to its team and fostering a supportive work environment makes it an attractive option for job seekers.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the company's leadership team and works collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including Production, Marketing, and other departments

Work Arrangement: Full-time, with frequent travel to customers, industry events, and other stakeholders when needed

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement within the sales and marketing departments
  • Expansion into new markets and industries
  • Potential leadership roles within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to advance within the company and make a significant impact on its success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with a collaborative and supportive work culture

Office Location(s): Greensboro, NC

Geographic Context:

  • Greensboro, NC is located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina
  • The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Greensboro is home to several major corporations and has a strong business community

Work Schedule: Full-time, with frequent travel to customers, industry events, and other stakeholders when needed

ASSUMPTION: The Greensboro, NC office provides a supportive and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Initial phone or video screen to assess qualifications and cultural fit
  • In-depth interview with the hiring manager to discuss the role and company in more detail
  • Final interview with the leadership team to assess fit and answer any remaining questions

Key Assessment Areas:

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

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your sales experience, strategic thinking, and relevant skills
  • Prepare examples of your sales achievements and how you've overcome challenges in previous roles
  • Research the company and industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position

ATS Keywords: Sales, Strategy, Growth, Manufacturing, CNC Machining, Fabrication, CRM, Data Analysis, Customer Satisfaction, Prospecting, Negotiation, Critical Thinking, Communication, Interpersonal Abilities, Leadership, Team-oriented Approach

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing sales skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Tailoring your application materials to highlight these areas will increase your chances of success.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • HubSpot CRM (or other CRM systems)
  • Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, HubSpot CRM, and data analysis tools is essential for success in this role. Candidates with experience using these tools are strongly encouraged to apply.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Growth
  • Customer Focus

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and supportive team environment
  • Focus on continuous learning and improvement
  • Results-driven and goal-oriented
  • Strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and success

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a proven track record of success in sales and a strategic mindset?
  • Are you comfortable working in a collaborative and supportive team environment?
  • Do you thrive in a results-driven and goal-oriented work culture?
  • Are you committed to continuous learning and improvement?

ASSUMPTION: Cogent Analytics values candidates who are ethical, honest, and trustworthy, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Candidates who are a good cultural fit and align with the company's values are more likely to succeed in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a high volume of sales opportunities and maintaining a strong pipeline
  • Balancing multiple priorities and working independently
  • Frequent travel to customers, industry events, and other stakeholders
  • Adapting to a dynamic and evolving market landscape

ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing a high volume of sales opportunities, balancing multiple priorities, and frequent travel. Candidates who are organized, self-motivated, and adaptable are more likely to succeed in this role.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to a Sales Manager or Business Development Manager position, with a focus on strategic planning and growth
  • Unlike other sales roles, this position requires a strong understanding of machining processes, including CNC machining and fabrication
  • Career progression in this role could lead to leadership positions within the company, such as Sales Director or Vice President of Sales

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other sales management positions, but with a unique focus on strategic planning and growth within the manufacturing sector. Candidates with experience in sales management and a strong understanding of machining processes are well-suited to this role.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a sales plan to achieve quarterly and annual sales targets
  • Managing the entire sales cycle from prospecting to acquisition for a key account
  • Driving the RFQ process from bid submission to closed won/lost for a high-value opportunity

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges faced by the Growth & Strategy Manager. Candidates with experience in these areas are strongly encouraged to apply.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the company's sales strategy and how this role fits into that strategy?
  • How does the company support the growth and development of its sales team?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does the company measure success for this role, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs)?
  • What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the company's sales strategy, support for growth and development, priorities for the role, and opportunities for advancement. Candidates are encouraged to ask thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the position.

πŸ“Œ 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 thinking, and relevant skills
  • Prepare examples of your sales achievements and how you've overcome challenges in previous roles
  • Research the company and industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position
  • 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.