The Technical Sales Lead – Aluminum is responsible for developing and delivering technology-based solutions that help aluminum producers and casthouses optimize their processes and performance. Acting as both a technical expert and commercial strategist, this individual will lead customer engagement initiatives, align Vesuvius capabilities with customer needs, and support business growth across the aluminum market segment.
The Technical Sales Lead serves as the primary technical liaison between customers and Vesuvius’ internal teams—including Marketing & Technology (M&T), Operations, and Customer Service—ensuring that proposed solutions drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Lead technical and commercial discussions with customers to identify performance challenges and develop tailored solutions.
Build and maintain strong customer relationships at multiple levels, acting as a trusted advisor and advocate for customer success.
Prepare technical proposals, value analyses, and presentations that clearly demonstrate the benefits of Vesuvius’ aluminum product portfolio and service capabilities.
Actively participate in market and account planning to define growth strategies aligned with customer and business objectives.
Responsible for market analysis, identifying opportunities for increasing market share, and own book of business.
Collaborate with the M&T, Engineering, and Operations teams to design, test, and implement technical solutions in line with customer requirements and performance targets.
Lead the preparation of quotation responses, solution outlines, and cost models.
Represent Vesuvius at industry events, technical conferences, and trade shows, promoting the company’s expertise in aluminum processing and casting technologies.
Support internal and customer training initiatives related to aluminum product applications, refractory performance, and process optimization as needed.
Knowledge and Abilities
Strong understanding of aluminum production processes, including melting, casting, and metal treatment operations.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate customer discovery and solution-design sessions, identifying root causes and quantifying value-added opportunities.
Proficiency in translating technical data into commercial value propositions that drive sales outcomes.
Ability to build cross-functional alignment between Sales, M&T Engineering, Operations, and Customer Service to ensure project success.
Excellent presentation and communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strategic thinker with a proven ability to manage complex customer accounts and deliver measurable business results.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field required.
Minimum 5 years of experience in technical sales, process engineering, or product management within the aluminum industry (casting, rolling, extrusion, or recycling preferred).
Proven record of success in B2B industrial sales and/or technical support roles.
Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills with a customer-focused mindset.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools.
Excellent organizational, reasoning, and decision-making skills.
Physical and Travel Requirements
Frequent visits to aluminum plants and casthouses where exposure to elevated temperatures, dust, and industrial environments is common.
Work near moving mechanical equipment and vehicles; moderate noise levels are typical.
Ability to travel up to 75% within the U.S. (with some international travel possible).