Account Development Specialist - End User
Phoenix Contact
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Posted on Jan 26, 2026
Job Summary
As an Account Development Specialist (End-User), you will be on the front lines of customer engagement — identifying, contacting, and selling to new and existing end-user customers and regionally based Engineering firms who could benefit from our products or services. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on direct outreach, enjoys helping people solve problems, and wants to build foundational sales skills in a fast-paced environment. This role is responsible for driving sales of all relevant end-user-focused products by combining a blend of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. The Account Development Specialist works closely with our Channel and Field Application Engineering teams to ensure customer satisfaction and achieve sales targets. This role plays a pivotal part in the development of accounts, with the goal of crossing a threshold to where developed accounts are then assigned to Sales Engineers. This position is an individual contributor role and does not include formal people management responsibilities.
The territory for this role is Michigan (Lower Peninsula) and Indiana.
Responsibilities
- Meet or exceed territory sales quotas as established by the RSM and/or Vice President—Field Sales.
- Be proficient in BASE selling skills and implement to build strong customer relationships.
- Generate leads through cold calls, emails, and networking events.
- Support the preparation of proposals, presentations, and sales materials
- Maintain and update CRM systems with accurate client information. Fully utilize the CRM as a communication, reporting, measurement, and tracking tool to enhance productivity.
- Collaborate with the entire Phoenix Contact team to align efforts, effectively communicate both verbally and written.
- Track and report on business development activities and performance metrics.
- Differentiate Phoenix Contact from other component vendors by building “partner” relationships with customers.
- Focus on the customer by averaging a minimum of 20 sales calls per week
- Be proficient in and drive the use of all sales tools provided to support local markets.
- Work closely with Harrisburg Product teams to aid in the development of field presentations and application notes.
- Proactively utilize all resources and sales tools to maximize productivity, responsiveness, and customer delight.
- Continue personal development through an effective skill-building program as determined by the RSM, Director of Sales, and/or the Harrisburg Training Department.
- Demonstrate technical competence on all products/solutions within the area of focus.
- Provide forecasts and reports to RSM as required.
- Independently and/or in conjunction with regional management, develop and implement effective Mutual Action Plans with assigned distributor locations.
- Deliver presentations and hands-on demonstrations of Phoenix Contact products, applications, and technology for the purpose of product sales.
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge on all Phoenix Contact products/solutions.
- Qualify and follow up on all leads within the assigned territory.
- Follow up on all quotations within the assigned territory for the given account portfolio.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Four-year degree in technical discipline preferred and/or equivalent experience.
- 1 to 3 years minimum sales experience in the electronics or industrial automation & controls marketplace.
- Experience working with distribution preferred.
- Comfortable making cold calls and sending outreach emails.
- Self-motivated with the ability to learn and adapt quickly.
Essential Job Functions
- Must be able to travel via airplane.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel via automobile for up to six hours at a time.
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
- Must be able to travel overnight 50+% or as dictated by assigned territory.
- Comply with company dress code guidelines.
- Punctuality is required.
- Regular and on-time attendance
Perks & Benefits
Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, bonus plan and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, auto allowance, life insurance, short & long-term disability, assistance, and more!
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Phoenix Contact is committed to the diversity of our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.
If you need special accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job, please call 717-944-1300 x3490 between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM, Eastern Standard Time, Monday – Friday or email HR@phoenixcontact.com.
Notice to Staffing Agencies, Placement Services, and Professional Recruiters:
Phoenix Contact has an internal Staffing Department. Recruiters are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Phoenix Contact employees directly in an attempt to present candidates. Phoenix Contact will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Phoenix Contact, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Phoenix Contact mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Phoenix Contact employees, or to Phoenix Contact’s resume database will be considered Phoenix Contact property. Phoenix Contact will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Phoenix Contact will consider any candidate for whom a Recruiter has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Recruiter free of any charges or fees. Phoenix Contact will not pay a fee to any Recruiter that does not have a signed Phoenix Contact contract in place specific to the position for which the resume was submitted. Recruiting vendor agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Phoenix Contact's Director of Organization Development and Talent Acquisition or his or her designee. No other Phoenix Contact employee is authorized to bind Phoenix Contact to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Recruiters. By submitting a candidate to Phoenix Contact, recruiters agree to be bound and comply with this policy.