🔹 Job Title: Sales Manager 🔹 Company: Woodward, Inc. 🔹 Location: Niles, Illinois, United States 🔹 Job Type: Full-time 🔹 Category: Not provided
The Sales Manager role at Woodward, Inc. is responsible for managing a group of Product Support Managers for the military aftermarket services division. The primary focus is on ensuring product reliability, monitoring fleet performance, developing product improvement plans, and increasing business with existing or new accounts. This is a customer-facing technical position that works closely with the Military Services Sales team and the Military Product Technology Manager to evaluate and establish ongoing sales growth for varied product and service offerings.
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Science (Engineering preferred) or Business Discipline OR equivalent experience required Experience: 3 years' experience in a commercial role OR extensive Woodward product knowledge and demonstrated ability to effectively influence customers, and 5 years' experience in a related industry Skills: Technical expertise, sales strategy, proposal development, contract negotiation, market analysis, revenue forecasting, cross-functional collaboration
Salary Range: $132,000.00 (minimum) - $165,000.00 (midpoint) - $198,000.00 (maximum) Benefits: All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity, 401(k) match (4.5%), Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%), Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development, 12 paid holidays, industry-leading medical/dental/vision insurance, vacation/sick time, parental leave, employee assistance program, life/disability insurance, and various voluntary benefits Industry Comparison: The provided salary range appears to be competitive for a Sales Manager role in the aerospace/engineering industry in the Illinois region.
Industry Position: Woodward, Inc. is a leading provider of energy control solutions, primarily serving the aerospace and industrial markets. Company Size: Woodward is a mid-to-large sized public company with a global presence. Company Stage: Woodward is an established, mature organization with a focus on continuous innovation and growth.
Career Level: This is a senior-level management role, likely requiring significant prior experience in a commercial or technical sales function. Reporting Structure: The Sales Manager will oversee a team of Product Support Managers and work closely with the Military Services Sales team and Military Product Technology Manager. Team Size/Composition: The size and composition of the reporting team are not specified, but this role likely has a sizable scope of responsibility. Growth Opportunities: Strong performance in this role could lead to further advancement within Woodward's sales and product management leadership.
Office Type: This position can be based at either Woodward's Rockford, IL or Niles, IL aerospace facilities, with approximately 20% travel to customer sites. Geographic Context: The Rockford and Niles, IL locations are both within the Chicago metropolitan area, a major hub for aerospace and engineering industries. Work Schedule: The job description does not specify the typical work schedule, but it is likely a standard full-time, exempt-level position. Regional Considerations: The Midwest region is known for its manufacturing and engineering talent, and the cost of living in Illinois is generally lower than coastal areas.
Typical Process: Expect a multi-stage interview process, potentially including a technical assessment, sales presentation, and interviews with cross-functional stakeholders. Key Assessment Areas: Employers will likely evaluate the candidate's technical expertise, sales acumen, strategic thinking, customer relationship management, and ability to lead cross-functional teams. Application Tips: Highlight your relevant technical knowledge, commercial experience, and demonstrated success in driving sales growth and customer satisfaction. ATS Keywords: Some key terms to include in your application materials are "sales strategy," "product management," "revenue forecasting," "contract negotiation," and "cross-functional collaboration."
The role likely requires familiarity with various enterprise software tools for sales, project management, and financial planning, as well as technical knowledge of Woodward's product offerings and military/aerospace systems.
Company Values: Woodward emphasizes integrity, respect, accountability, humility, and a commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards. Work Style: This role requires a balance of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and customers. Self-Assessment: Candidates should consider whether they thrive in a fast-paced, technically-oriented environment with a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
The broad scope of responsibilities, including revenue forecasting, contract negotiations, and cross-functional leadership, may present challenges for candidates without extensive experience in a similar role. Additionally, the requirement to work with ITAR/EAR-regulated information may introduce additional compliance considerations.
This Sales Manager role is similar to other technical sales or account management positions in the aerospace, defense, or industrial equipment industries. The key differences may lie in the specific focus on military aftermarket services and the need for deep product expertise.
Potential projects for a Sales Manager in this role could include: - Developing a strategic growth plan for a key military customer account - Leading a cross-functional team to design and propose a new product support agreement - Analyzing fleet performance data to identify opportunities for product improvements - Negotiating contract terms and conditions to secure a long-term service agreement
1. What are the top priorities and key performance indicators for this role in the first 6-12 months? 2. Can you describe the structure and dynamics of the cross-functional teams I would be leading? 3. How does Woodward's sales and product management teams collaborate to drive customer success? 4. What are the biggest challenges currently facing the military aftermarket services division, and how would this role help address them? 5. Can you provide more details on the types of ITAR/EAR-regulated information I would be working with, and the training/support available? 6. What opportunities are there for professional development and career advancement within Woodward's sales organization?
⚠️ This enhanced job description was AI-generated based on the original job listing. Information has been organized and supplemented with industry-standard insights where details were not provided. All assumptions are explicitly labeled. Applicants should verify all details directly with the employer before making decisions based on this content.
To apply for this Sales Manager role at Woodward, Inc., start by reviewing the job description and required qualifications to ensure you meet the criteria. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant technical expertise, sales experience, and ability to drive growth in a customer-facing role. Be prepared to discuss your strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and cross-functional leadership capabilities during the interview process. Additionally, research Woodward's company culture and values to demonstrate your alignment and fit. Finally, be sure to ask insightful questions during the interviews to further evaluate the opportunity and your potential for success in this position.