Business Development Manager – Automation & Robotics (Remote – South Carolina)

We are an innovative, Vancouver-based startup at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies. Backed by VC funding and recognized as a 2024 BCTIA Growth Award winner, we are on a mission to redefine the future of AI-driven robotic vision systems.  Apera AI helps manufacturers make their factories more flexible and productive. Robots enhanced with Apera’s software have 4D Vision – the ability to see and handle objects with human-like capability. Challenging applications such as bin picking, sorting, packaging, and assembly are now open to fast, precise, and reliable automation. Apera is led by an experienced team from high-growth companies focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

About Apera 

Do you love your car? Use a dishwasher? Apera AI is revolutionizing how they're made. Our 4D Vision technology provides industrial robots with human-like vision and AI-powered intelligence, dramatically increasing reliability, speed, and accuracy in vision-guided robotic automation. We unlock factory performance, empowering automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and other industrial manufacturers to achieve unmatched levels of productivity, quality, and cost savings. 
 
With hundreds of successful deployments across North America and a recent round of capital funding, Apera is growing fast—and we’re looking for a driven, strategic Business Development Manager to help us expand into new accounts and markets.  
 
This is a remote role based in South Carolina, with travel as needed to client sites and events. 

What will I be doing? 

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You’ll be on the frontlines driving revenue growth by identifying and closing new business opportunities in the manufacturing automation space. Working with OEMs, integrators, end users, and distribution partners, you’ll uncover use cases where Apera’s 4D Vision can add transformational value. You’ll also leverage our AI-powered Sales Tech Stack to improve prospecting, qualify opportunities, and shorten sales cycles. 

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Major Objectives 

1. Acquire and Close New Business 

Within the first 6–12 months, generate a pipeline of qualified leads and close high-value deals across key verticals. Use AI-enabled lead generation and CRM tools to increase efficiency and conversion rates. Consistently meet or exceed assigned revenue targets while preserving profitability. 

       2.Grow Strategic Accounts 

Expand business within existing accounts by identifying additional applications for Apera’s technology. Partner with engineering and application teams to develop tailored solutions. Use predictive analytics and CRM data to guide renewal, upsell, and cross-sell opportunities. 

       3.Drive Market Penetration Through Strategic Sales Execution 

Design and implement go-to-market strategies aligned with company growth goals. Build and manage partnerships with OEMs, integrators, and other key stakeholders. Provide quarterly performance reports that include KPIs like pipeline growth, win rates, and customer expansion.

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Critical Key Results

      1. Conduct Market Analysis 

Within 60 days, complete a detailed analysis of customer segments, competitors, and territory dynamics. Use AI tools to identify emerging trends and develop data-backed insights that inform targeting strategies.

      2. Implement 30-60-90 Day Action Plan 

Within the first 90 days, execute a structured onboarding and sales engagement plan. This includes specific goals for meetings, demos, and proposals, ensuring momentum and early wins.

       3. Collaborate with Technical Teams to Deliver Value 

Partner with Application Engineering to shape client-specific solutions. Use collaborative platforms to streamline proposal creation and ensure seamless handoff from sale to execution.

     4. Lead Project Management for Key Sales Wins 

For major deals, oversee execution timelines and stakeholder alignment to ensure successful implementation. Provide ongoing updates and manage client expectations proactively.

      5. Launch Growth Initiatives 

Within 12 months, lead a strategic market expansion initiative—such as penetrating a new vertical, securing a major partnership, or running a promotional campaign. Track and report on ROI and impact.

      6. Maximize Client Retention and Satisfaction 

Monitor customer satisfaction through structured feedback loops. Rapidly resolve challenges using root cause analysis and proactive communication. Cultivate long-term relationships that generate referrals and renewals.

About You 

You’re a proven business development professional with 3+ years of success in technical sales. You’ve sold into manufacturing or automation environments and know how to speak the language of engineers and operations leaders. You’re self-directed, curious, and thrive in fast-paced environments where the path isn’t always laid out for you. 

You likely have: 

• A background in engineering or technical sales (degree preferred, but not required) 

• Strong track record of exceeding quota 

• Experience selling robotics, machine vision, or complex automation systems 

• A consultative, trust-based sales approach that resonates with technical buyers 

Why Join Us?  

People are our greatest strength. They are friendly, smart, and driven to build amazing products; we tackle challenges as a team, we are close-knit and scrappy. We also offer competitive total compensation, health benefits, and vacation. Our teams are motivated, talented, hardworking, and have an entrepreneurial spirit. We enjoy making large impact, solving challenging problems rooted in real-world physics using science, imagination, creativity, and persistence.  

What do we offer?

• A chance to make a difference. People are our greatest strength they are friendly, smart, and driven to build amazing products; we tackle challenges as a team, we are close-knit and scrappy. Our teams are motivated, talented, hardworking and have both an intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial spirit. We enjoy making a large impact, solving challenging problems rooted in real-world robotic vision optimization using science, imagination, creativity, and persistence.
  
  
• Build your skills. Build your career. We don’t just promise opportunities. We back them with personalized development plans, annual learning budgets, regular individual and team upskilling, and time dedicated to innovation. Come for the mission, stay to master it. 
  
  
• Equity That Empowers: A Rare Opportunity to Own What You Help Build. At Apera AI, equity isn’t just a benefit—it’s a belief system grounded in fairness, unity, and shared success. Every Aperian receives a meaningful ownership stake from day one, because those creating value should share in the rewards. While traditional companies reserve equity for a privileged few, we extend it to all employees. We’ve already gained considerable traction in transforming how manufacturers use AI and robotics. Join a mission-driven team where your ideas matter, your work shapes industries, and your ownership grows with every win. This is your invitation to be part of something rare: a company that shares both purpose and upside.
  
  
• Straightforward compensation. At Apera AI, we believe that transparency and fairness are key to building a thriving team. For this BDM role, we offer a competitive base salary range of $100,000 to $110,000 USD and an OTE of $200,000 to $220,000 per year.

This range reflects the base salary for a highly qualified candidate. The final offer will depend on a range of factors including your unique skills, experience, contributions to team diversity, and the value you bring to our vision of transforming industrial automation with AI-powered vision systems.