Strategic Sales Manager

AB SKF skf.com Open · verified Sep 21, 2026

Blue Bell Manager Sales Leadership

At a glance

Mid-level Sales Leadership role at AB SKF. Blue Bell · $111,000–$139,000 base.

SalaryStated by AB SKF

$111,000 – $139,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

RoleSales Leadership

SeniorityManager

LocationBlue Bell

Base pay$111,000–$139,000

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Grow and manage major OEM customers in fluid power, electric motor, and industrial gearbox markets
Negotiate customer agreements while controlling inventory, forecasting, and open-order risks
Build the pipeline, win new customers, and convert demand from data centers and OEMs
Present technical and commercial solutions while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships
Share customer, competitor, market, pipeline, and financial insights with internal teams and leaders

What you bring

A bachelor's degree, preferably in engineering, is required
At least five years in industrial-product sales, application engineering, business development, or sales management
Strong understanding of industrial markets and applications, with the ability to explain technical and financial ideas
A demonstrated history of sales success, sound business judgment, and effective problem-solving

Who this fits

You'll suit a field-based sales manager role that requires influencing engineering, business development, quality, customer service, accounting, and demand chain teams without direct authority. The position is remote from Texas and involves about half-time domestic travel, with possible international trips. You'll manage a portfolio independently while coordinating priorities across customers, sales, manufacturing, and internal functions.

From the employer

Strategic Sales Manager

Location: US Remote - Texas

Salary Range: 111,000.00 to 139,000.00

About SKF: 

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Position Summary

The Strategic Sales Manager (SSM) is a field-based sales role responsible for managing large, strategic OEM accounts across fluid power, electric motor, and industrial gearbox markets. The role ensures a world-class customer experience and drives sustainable revenue and profit growth while representing SKF across multiple customer locations globally. The SSM owns account strategy, leads customer engagement, and leverages voice of the customer insights to support product development and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and grow strategic OEM accounts across assigned portfolio
Review, negotiate, and manage customer agreements
Mitigate business risks related to inventory, forecasting, and open orders
Deliver consistent year-over-year revenue and profit growth
Develop and manage a robust sales pipeline and drive new customer acquisition
Identify and convert growth opportunities tied to data center and OEM demand
Capture and leverage Voice of Customer (VOC) insights to drive business decisions
Track and report key business metrics (revenue, margin, forecast accuracy, DSO, pipeline)
Support strategic planning with customer, competitor, and market insights

Leadership & Team Development

Lead account strategy and influence cross-functional teams without formal authority

Demonstrate accountability, prioritization, and performance management across portfolio

Customer / Stakeholder Engagement

Build and sustain strong relationships with key customer stakeholders
Maintain world-class customer experience across all interactions
Present technical and commercial solutions to customers

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with engineering, business development, quality, customer service, accounting, and demand chain teams
Align priorities between SKF sales, manufacturing, and customers

Operational Excellence

Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions to meet business plans
Maintain strong business management practices across assigned portfolio
Drive process improvements and propose new solutions

Strategic Communication (if applicable)

Communicate Voice of Customer insights across the organization
Provide reporting on pipeline, financials, and market insights to leadership

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering preferred)
Minimum 5+ years in sales, application engineering, business development, or sales management in industrial products
Strong knowledge of industrial markets and applications
Ability to communicate technical and financial concepts effectively

Other Requirements:

Proven track record of sales success
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
High business acumen and accountability
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Self-starter with strong teamwork orientation

Travel Requirements

Approximately 50% domestic with potential for international travel

What You’ll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. 

Diversity in the Workplace.  At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation. 

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment. Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more! 

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution: 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.