Head of Channel Sales (Chicago)
Pacific International is partnering with a $350M global leader in sensor technology to identify a Head of Channel Sales, Americas to lead and further develop its growing channel sales organization. Headquartered in Europe with a strong and expanding presence across the Americas, the company is recognized globally for its highly innovative sensing technologies used across industrial, automotive, HVAC, medical, and other advanced applications. This is a highly strategic leadership opportunity to oversee a well-established network of distribution partners and manufacturer representatives across the Americas. The successful candidate will lead a team of sales professionals, including Area Sales Managers, Distribution Managers, and Inside Sales, with responsibility for a channel business. The role will focus on strengthening channel performance, developing strategic partnerships, identifying new growth opportunities, and building a high-performing commercial organization. The business is experiencing significant growth, with ambitious expansion targets and continued investment across the region. The incoming leader will play a critical role in translating global channel strategies into actionable regional plans, driving accountability and commercial execution, and supporting expansion into emerging markets across the Americas. This individual will work closely with senior leadership in the U.S. and Europe, with the opportunity to influence broader global strategy and play an integral role in the organization's long-term growth. Key Responsibilities: Lead and develop the channel sales organization across the Americas, overseeing Area Sales Managers, Distribution Managers, and Inside Sales professionals. Develop and execute regional channel strategies aligned with global commercial objectives, driving revenue growth, market expansion, and increased market share. Manage and strengthen strategic relationships with major electronic component distributors and independent manufacturer representative networks. Drive channel partner performance through business planning, performance reviews, training, and the identification of new commercial opportunities. Establish clear performance expectations, accountability, and consistent execution across the channel sales organization. Coach, mentor, and develop team members while building a strong culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and high performance. Identify opportunities to expand distribution coverage, strengthen existing partnerships, and develop new markets throughout the Americas. Partner closely with global channel leadership to adapt broader commercial strategies to regional market dynamics and customer requirements. Work cross-functionally with Product Management, Application Engineering, Marketing, and global commercial teams to support channel growth and new product introductions. Drive the continued development of the Inside Sales organization, strengthening its commercial capabilities and building a pipeline of future sales talent. Analyze channel performance, market trends, and competitive dynamics to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic decision-making. Lead forecasting, business planning, and performance management across the regional channel organization. Represent the company at distributor meetings, industry events, conferences, and trade shows while strengthening relationships across the electronics ecosystem. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. 5 years of experience in channel sales, distribution management, or a related commercial role within a technical industry. 3–5 years of people leadership experience, with demonstrated success developing teams, driving accountability, and improving commercial performance. Direct experience managing relationships with electronic component distributors, independent manufacturer representatives, or channel sales partners. Strong understanding of the electronics distribution ecosystem, including channel partner engagement, business development, and sales growth strategies. Experience within semiconductors, electronic components, sensors, industrial electronics, or related technical markets is highly preferred. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute commercial strategies that drive sustainable revenue growth and market expansion. Strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand engineered products, customer applications, and complex technical solutions. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate effectively within an international matrix organization. Experience managing and developing geographically dispersed sales teams. Strong analytical, business planning, forecasting, negotiation, and relationship management skills. A collaborative, entrepreneurial, and hands-on leadership style, with the ability to think strategically, challenge existing approaches, and drive execution. Comfortable operating in a highly collaborative global organization and engaging with senior leadership across multiple regions. Based in or willing to relocate to the Chicago area, with the ability to maintain a regular in-office presence. About Pacific International: Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape. Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally. Pacific International Diversity Statement: At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering, and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
