Director of Sales - Industrial Vertical
Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.
We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.
Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com.
Work location:
- This position may be based anywhere in the United States and includes travel as part of the responsibilities.
Job Summary
The Director of Sales – Industrial Vertical is a key member of the National Accounts and Verticals Sales organization, responsible for driving strategic growth within the industrial market. This vertical encompasses sectors such as manufacturing, heavy equipment, energy, utilities, and large-scale industrial operations. The role provides primary support for direct and utility sales channels and works closely with regional sales leadership, product management, marketing, and other cross-functional teams to capture major project opportunities and strengthen market presence.
Recognized as a trusted advisor with deep technical and market expertise, the Director effectively communicates complex product capabilities to diverse customer groups, supports project development, and coordinates bidding strategies. Success in this position requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments. The role demands balancing long-term strategy with day-to-day execution to drive revenue, expand market share, and deliver profitable growth.
Responsibilities
Operations / Strategy
- Develop and recommend sales strategies based on market analysis, competitive insights, and customer needs within the industrial sector
- Evaluate go-to-market approaches—including product positioning, service models, pricing, and channel strategy—to optimize performance across industrial applications
- Provide input to Product Management for roadmap prioritization and strategic planning aligned with industrial market trends
- Monitor regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and market shifts to identify new opportunities
- Gather and synthesize field feedback to uncover product gaps and influence long-term innovation strategies
- Establish consistent operating rhythms, standard work, and best practices to drive continuous improvement
- Contribute to sales forecasting and operating expense planning
- Ensure alignment of priorities across sales and product leadership teams
Business Development
- Serve as a subject-matter expert for large, complex, or national industrial projects
- Tailor sales approaches for diverse audiences, including manufacturers, engineering firms, contractors, utilities, and distributors
- Identify training, engagement, and growth opportunities within the industrial ecosystem using data-driven prioritization
- Provide coaching and guidance to the broader sales organization on best practices and integrated solutions
Sales Enablement & Market Engagement
- Support the skills development of the direct sales team through one-on-one coaching and in-field training, focusing on industrial solutions, technical expertise, and effective selling strategies
- Present technical education content and CEU programs as needed
- Participate in industry standards, regulatory, and code-related events to maintain subject-matter expertise
- Define content for regional and national trade shows and support marketing in developing thought-leadership campaigns and sales tools
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Business, Construction Management, or a related field.
Experience Required
- 5–7 years of experience in industrial markets such as manufacturing, heavy equipment, energy, or utilities
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities
- Demonstrated experience working across the industrial value chain (manufacturers, engineers, contractors, utilities, distributors)
- Experience with technically complex products sold through multi-channel distribution
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and project management capabilities
Travel Requirements
- up to 60% travel
The range for this position is $135,500.00 to $243,900.00. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant’s experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.
We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.
Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.
Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.
Nearest Major Market: Atlanta
Job Segment:
Business Development, Product Manager, Direct Sales, Machinist, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Manufacturing