Head of Bakery Equipment Sales - Bakery CAPEX Sales Exp Required

GEA Group, established in Germany in 1881, is a premier global engineering solutions provider with a storied history and an innovative future. Serving key industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, dairy, and more, GEA has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality machinery, systems, and processes to a diverse worldwide clientele. With over 18,000 employees globally and a strong U.S. presence spanning nearly a century since 1929, GEA combines its rich heritage with a progressive approach that fuels ongoing growth and industry leadership. The company values building lasting careers demonstrated by an average employee tenure ranging from 5 to over 11 years, underscoring a workplace culture centered on growth, support, and mutual success.

GEA Group's Food and Pharma Division invites applicant interest for a senior leadership role as Head of the Bakery Sub-Division in North America. This pivotal position is based anywhere within the United States and is responsible for spearheading the sales and strategic growth of GEA's Bakery Machinery segment across the region. The ideal candidate will bring extensive sales experience specifically in Industrial Bakery Machinery, ensuring comprehensive customer engagement, pipeline development, and cross-functional collaboration to meet ambitious commercial objectives. This role blends a hands-on sales leadership approach—dedicating roughly 60% of time to direct customer interaction—with sophisticated coordination among technical, marketing, and service teams to deliver superior products and solutions.

Responsibilities include understanding customer needs in depth and tailoring solutions that address their unique challenges and goals, while maintaining alignment with GEA’s long-term vision. The leader will manage vital customer relationships, ensuring consistent delivery through all sales phases from inquiry to commissioning. Key priorities involve driving service excellence, resolving client issues promptly, and expanding market presence through targeted business development strategies. In addition to internal team leadership, the role entails effective oversight of regional agents and harmonizing pricing strategies alongside finance and legal departments.

Qualified applicants should be prepared to develop detailed sales plans, budgets, and forecasts, nurturing pipeline growth informed by market insights and customer feedback. Participation in broader company initiatives involving R&D and strategy formulation will also be key components of this role, ensuring GEA remains at the forefront of innovation in bakery machinery technology. This position commands a competitive base salary range of approximately $140,000 to $150,000 per year, varying by location and experience, with potential eligibility for bonuses and equity awards. It does not offer visa or work sponsorship, requiring candidates to be authorized to work in the U.S.

GEA Group supports employee well-being and career development with first-day medical, dental, and vision benefits; 12 paid holidays including a floating holiday; 136 hours of PTO; a 7% 401(k) employer match; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; an Employee Assistance Program; and flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts. GEA champions diversity and inclusion, providing equal employment opportunities regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability status, or any other protected characteristic, fostering a supportive environment where all employees can thrive and succeed.