Channel Development Executive Jobs in Chicago, IL

Bodor Laser is a world‑leading laser technology company dedicated to providing advanced metal processing solutions for industries including sheet metal and structural steel fabrication, agricultural equipment, furniture, automotive components and more. Our core products are intelligent laser cutting systems, laser welding systems, and automated manufacturing solutions that help customers improve productivity, reduce operating costs and accelerate their Industry 4.0 transformation.

Founded in 2008, Bodor Laser has grown into a global organization with over 3,000 employees and customers in more than 180 countries and regions. Bodorlaser Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary supporting customers and business operations across North America through local sales, technical service, marketing and customer support. Learn more at https://www.bodor.com.

Bodorlaser Inc. is seeking a highly respected industry executive and product expert to serve as Vice President, Industry Relations & Product Marketing – North America. This executive‑level individual contributor will act as a senior external representative of Bodorlaser, combining deep knowledge of laser cutting and manufacturing technology with established industry relationships, public‑facing credibility, product marketing expertise and channel development capability.

The Vice President will represent Bodorlaser at major industry events, product launches, customer forums, distributor meetings, government and community engagements, media activities and technical presentations. The role will translate complex technology into compelling market value, strengthen the company’s local reputation, expand strategic relationships and provide North American market insight to U.S. leadership and global headquarters.

This position has no direct reports and does not initially carry an individual sales quota. Leadership will be exercised through industry expertise, strategic influence, external relationships, channel development and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Represent Bodorlaser at major North American manufacturing, metal‑fabrication, laser‑processing and automation trade shows, forums, association meetings and customer events.
• Serve as a company spokesperson, event host, keynote or panel speaker, technical presenter and senior representative for product launches.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry associations, manufacturing organizations, technical experts, media, strategic customers and recognized industry leaders.
• Use professional credibility and industry experience to strengthen Bodorlaser’s reputation as a trusted North American manufacturing‑technology partner.

• Develop a deep working understanding of Bodorlaser’s laser cutting, laser welding, automation and software solutions.
• Translate technical capabilities into clear customer value, application relevance, productivity improvement and return‑on‑investment messaging.
• Advise on North American product positioning, competitive differentiation, launch strategy and brand communication.
• Lead or actively support product launches, demonstrations, technical seminars, webinars, videos and customer success stories.
• Review product‑marketing materials, presentations, demonstrations and technical English content for market relevance and accuracy.

• Develop relationships with local government, economic‑development organizations, chambers of commerce, manufacturing alliances, educational institutions and relevant public‑sector partners.
• Represent Bodorlaser in government, community, workforce‑development and industry‑cooperation activities that support the company’s North American localisation.
• Support external partnerships related to local investment, workforce development, technical education and manufacturing collaboration.
• Monitor relevant policy, regulatory, industry‑standard and market‑access developments and advise internal stakeholders on potential implications.

• Monitor North American trends in metal fabrication, laser equipment, automation, software and advanced manufacturing.
• Gather structured feedback from customers, channel partners and industry stakeholders regarding products, applications, pricing, service and market needs.
• Provide North American product‑localisation and improvement recommendations to global product, R&D, marketing and executive teams.
• Analyse major competitors’ product portfolios, market positioning, channel strategies and brand communication.

• Develop and expand Bodorlaser’s North American dealer, distributor and strategic‑partner network.
• Identify, evaluate, recruit and support the onboarding of qualified channel partners.
• Provide partners with training on products, applications, competitive positioning, customer communication and value selling.
• Support channel meetings, joint marketing programmes, strategic customer visits, product demonstrations and major projects.

• 10+ years of experience in laser equipment, machine tools, metal fabrication, industrial automation, capital equipment or a closely related manufacturing‑technology sector.
• Senior‑level experience in product, market development, channel development, sales, applications, general management or another relevant commercial or technical leadership function.
• Deep understanding of laser cutting equipment, machine‑tool products, automation solutions, customer applications and capital‑equipment buying considerations.
• Established professional reputation and meaningful relationships within the North American metal‑fabrication or manufacturing community.
• Demonstrated ability to explain complex technology clearly to business owners, executives, engineers, channel partners, media and public‑sector stakeholders.
• Experience with public speaking, industry events, product launches, technical seminars, webinars, media interviews or other visible external engagements.
• Strong knowledge of North American manufacturing customers, competitive brands, distribution models and market dynamics.
• Ability to operate successfully as a senior individual contributor, influence without formal authority and coordinate across functions, cultures and time zones.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the United States and Canada, with occasional international travel as required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and highly relevant industry experience.

• 15+ years of relevant industry experience, with a career demonstrating sustained technical, commercial or market influence.
• Prior experience as a Vice President, General Manager, Executive Director, Product Director, Channel Director, Sales Executive, Applications Leader or comparable senior role.
• Existing relationships with dealers, distributors, strategic customers, industry associations, manufacturing organizations or economic‑development stakeholders in North America.
• Experience launching or positioning laser, machine‑tool, automation or advanced‑manufacturing products in the North American market.

• Industry Credibility: Recognized as a knowledgeable and trusted voice with the presence to represent Bodorlaser at senior external engagements.
• Product Depth: Understands technology and applications well enough to connect product capabilities with practical customer and market value.
• Strategic Influence: Builds alignment and moves initiatives forward through expertise, judgment, relationships and collaboration rather than formal authority.
• Market Orientation: Listens closely to customers and partners, recognises emerging opportunities and converts market insight into actionable recommendations.
• Cross‑Cultural Effectiveness: Communicates clearly and works constructively across North American teams and global headquarters.

The base salary for this position is $200,000 per year. The position may also be eligible for additional compensation under applicable company programs.

Bodorlaser offers a benefits package that may include:

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Paid time off and company holidays
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Business travel reimbursement in accordance with company policy
• Professional development, technical and product training opportunities

Bodorlaser is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.