Sales Operations Director

CEL Critical Power is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sales Operations Director to lead our US Sales Operations function from our US Headquarters. Reporting directly to the VP of Sales, this role is responsible for managing technical estimating and inside sales team, optimising processes, and driving continuous improvement in estimating accuracy, bid quality, and internal sales support. This is a critical leadership role requiring strong technical and commercial acumen, cross-functional collaboration ability, and a focus on operational excellence to support CEL Critical Power’s growth and commitment to delivering best-in-class critical power solutions.

Commercial Management

• Oversee essential vendors in line with Procurement agreements.
• Secure appropriate third-party vendors across various product and service categories.
• Partner with Procurement to enhance vendor relationships and negotiate better pricing.
• Visit vendor facilities to strengthen supply chain ties.
• Standardise pricing procedures to streamline the tendering process.
• Follow approved pricing protocols to ensure cost stability and minimize risk.

Leadership & Departmental Oversight

• Collaborate with the VP Sales US to represent CEL with professionalism.
• Lead the US Sales Operations team to success.
• Cultivate a high-performance culture that emphasizes accountability and continuous improvement.
• Establish CEL as a distinguished provider of Turnkey Critical Power Systems.
• Align departmental initiatives with overarching company goals.
• Ensure adherence to policies and industry regulations.
• Act as a crucial liaison between Sales Operations and other departments to foster collaboration.
• Represent Sales Operations in senior management meetings, providing data-driven performance insights.

Management of Technical Sales Estimating Teams

• Lead estimating teams across various product lines, ensuring both technical and commercial precision, timely submissions, and high-quality documentation.

Process & Tools Development

• Create and refine estimating and quotation templates; leverage automation to enhance efficiency.

Team Development & Training

• Design and deliver training programs across product offerings; organize sessions with supply chain partners and facilitate team upskilling.

Inside Sales Team Oversight

• Supervise Inside Sales and administrative teams, ensuring effective task allocation and oversight of quotation processes for agreements.

Performance Management & Goal Setting

• Set departmental objectives that align with business goals; apply Lean management principles and monitor key metrics.

Process Documentation & Standardisation

• Maintain comprehensive process documentation, a training manual, and consistent folder structures for standardisation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales, Procurement, Business Operations, Project Management, Finance, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Marketing to ensure accurate data and process alignment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum 10 years of Sales Operations experience in a technical/manufacturing/critical power environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong commercial acumen and deep understanding of the electrical or data centre industries.
• Familiarity with Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and CRM tools.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and strong commitment to compliance and quality.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• A dynamic and growing team focused on innovation and excellence