Director Strategy Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Full Time Sales & Marketing Maple Grove, MN, US

8 days ago Requisition ID: 1313

About the job

Who we are:

Circuit Check is the market-leading provider of automated test systems and test fixtures for complex electronic products for the automotive, military/aerospace, medical, industrial, and computer networking industries. At Circuit Check, we believe that innovation is a must, and that a challenging and robust environment where the work is consistently new and cutting edge is the best way to foster creativity. If you are ready to further your career in a fast‑paced, technology‑driven organization where our test designs impact products that are used by millions of people around the world every day, then we invite you to join us at Circuit Check. Our design staff includes electrical, software, mechanical engineers, and project managers. Our systems are supported by staff throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Malaysia, and China.

Primary Objective

Lead the strategic development and growth of Circuit Check’s most significant customer relationships in the AI/ML data center infrastructure market. Architect and execute multi‑year account strategies that drive large‑scale program wins, deepen executive‑level partnerships, and position the company as the preferred technology partner for hyperscale and enterprise AI customers. This role does not carry a traditional sales quota; compensation includes bonus objectives tied to winning new large customers, capturing major programs, and expanding strategic account revenue.

• Develop and own multi‑year strategic account plans for the company’s largest AI/ML infrastructure customers, anticipating market shifts and positioning ahead of competitive threats
• Analyze customer technology roadmaps, capital expenditure patterns, and buying dynamics to identify high‑value opportunities across GPU test, thermal management, power delivery, and related segments
• Serve as the primary executive‑level interface with strategic accounts, building trusted advisor relationships with VP and C‑suite decision‑makers at hyperscale cloud providers, AI chipmakers, and data center operators
• Take decisive ownership of high‑stakes negotiations, complex proposals, and multi‑million‑dollar program pursuits, differentiating Circuit Check solutions

• Coordinate engineering, product management and operations around customer requirements
• Partner with Product Line Managers to translate customer insights into product roadmap inputs aligned with AI/ML market direction
• Drive program management cadence for strategic accounts: pipeline reviews, executive business reviews, win/loss analysis, and quarterly assessments
• Identify patterns in AI/ML technology adoption, supply chain shifts, and customer investment priorities that create strategic openings for Circuit Check
• Quantify new market opportunities through analysis of TAM, competitive dynamics, segment profitability, and technology adjacencies; present data‑supported recommendations to senior leadership
• Build and maintain industry relationships across the AI/ML ecosystem, including suppliers, contract manufacturers, analysts, and technology partners worldwide

• Develop and execute customer engagement strategies in key AI/ML hubs, with emphasis on Silicon Valley and Taiwan
• Navigate international business environments including multi‑stakeholder decision processes and cultural dynamics across Asia‑Pacific
• Represent the company at international conferences, trade shows, and executive briefings as an authoritative voice on AI/ML infrastructure
• Mentor less experienced sales team members on complex deal strategy, multi‑stakeholder navigation, and executive engagement
• Partner with assigned account team members who maintain day‑to‑day relationships, providing strategic direction while developing their capabilities
• Collaborate with Sales Leadership to build playbooks and best practices for pursuing large AI/ML infrastructure programs

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or related) required; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic account management, business development, or program leadership in semiconductor, electronic hardware, test & measurement, data center infrastructure, or related technology sectors
• Track record of winning and managing multi‑million‑dollar programs with complex, multi‑stakeholder customer organizations
• Strongly preferred: executive‑level relationships at hyperscale cloud providers; experience in the AI/ML hardware ecosystem (GPU test/validation, liquid cooling, power distribution, rack‑scale integration, or related infrastructure)
• International business experience preferred, especially in the Taiwan semiconductor ecosystem and/or SE Asian manufacturing

Strategic & Analytical Thinking

• Ability to see patterns across complex data, customer behaviors, and market signals — and translate insights into actionable strategies and business cases
• Rigorous analytical skills: financial models, program economics, pricing structures, and competitive intelligence that inform decision‑making
• Thinks several moves ahead — anticipating customer needs, competitive responses, and market evolution

Organizational & Execution Leadership

• Natural ability to orchestrate multiple moving parts — people, timelines, resources, priorities — across complex programs and matrixed organizations
• Skilled at configuring cross‑functional teams for maximum effectiveness, with the program management discipline to track interdependencies and keep engagements on schedule and budget

Presence & Influence

• Commanding executive presence with confidence to lead negotiations, challenge the status quo, and drive decisions in ambiguous situations
• Willingness to take charge, confront difficult issues directly, and provide clear direction when the path forward is uncertain
• Exceptional communication skills — compelling narratives, proposals, and presentations for technical and executive audiences

Industry & Technical Acumen

• Deep understanding of the AI/ML data center ecosystem: GPU architectures, training/inference infrastructure, thermal management, power delivery, rack integration, and test/validation
• Credible in technical discussions with customer engineering teams while maintaining a business‑outcome focus; proficient with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred)

This role does not carry a traditional sales quota. Compensation includes a competitive base salary plus bonus objectives tied to:

• Winning new strategic AI/ML customers and capturing large new programs with existing accounts
• Growth in strategic account revenue and program pipeline value
• Program execution milestones and customer satisfaction metrics

• Open to remote candidates in the United States, with a preference for candidates in the San Francisco Bay Area, California
• Travel expected up to 50%, including customer visits throughout the Bay Area, across the US, and periodic international travel to Taiwan and SE Asia
• Must possess a valid passport and ability to obtain required travel visas

These physical requirements must be performed with or without accommodation:

• Time split between office/home office, customer sites, and travel
• Ability to sit for extended periods; bend, reach, stoop, and twist as required
• Heavy computer use; occasional exposure to manufacturing or lab environments
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pay and Benefits

Base pay is only one element of an employee's total compensation at Circuit Check. Employees (and their dependents in most plans) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life, short‑and long‑term disability and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Employees are able to enroll in Circuit Check’s 401k plan, in which the Company will match 50% of your contributions up to 6% with a maximum contribution. Paid time off includes vacation and sick time along with paid holidays. A summary of benefits can be provided by request via email to hr@circuitcheck.com .

Circuit Check, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on identity, race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual identity), age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. Because Circuit Check is a federal contractor, we participate in the E‑Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without needing sponsorship for an employment visa (e.g., H1B status).

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@circuitcheck.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. We'll do all we can to ensure you're set up for success during our interview process while upholding your privacy, including requests for accommodation.