Director – Commercial Finance

Job Description

About Us:

Cognex is the largest, most successful and recognized global player in industrial machine vision! We are a financially strong, international company with no debt and have been in business for over 40 years. Using advanced optics, image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image then analyze it to make sense of what’s being seen. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, guided by our "Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast" culture, which celebrates employee innovation, determination, and dedication in a dynamic, fun, and distinctive atmosphere.

This role will be on a hybrid schedule

Job Description:

The Director, Americas Commercial Finance is the finance business partner for Cognex’s Sales and Marketing functions in the Americas. This position leads a team focused on delivering proactive, action-oriented business partnership and insights to support high-quality growth and maximize the productivity of our Sales and Marketing teams. As a commercial leader in the Americas, this role is responsible for partnering with the Regional Sales Vice President to drive business success, including achievement of regional bookings and operating margin goals.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the financial planning and analysis process for Americas Sales and Marketing, delivering accurate budgets, forecasts, and actionable insights to guide decision-making

• Collaborate with Sales leadership on regional go-to-market strategy and execution, supporting the development and creation of territory coverage models, channel partner initiatives, commissions plans, etc

• Work with sales managers and sales engineers to boost team productivity and effectiveness by optimizing sales processes, tools, and systems

• Utilize sales and marketing performance dashboards and KPIs to generate actionable insights and assess root causes of business challenges, propose innovative solutions to business leaders, and proactively drive countermeasures

• Develop financial models to influence strategic decision-making around key sales and marketing investments

• Partner with leaders to implement initiatives to improve sales metrics such as customer visits, funnel creation, and conversion rates, actively addressing any barriers to success

• Travel within region (up to 2x per quarter) to understand market conditions, customers, and opportunities to improve productivity

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional Business Acumen and Strategic Commercial Insight: Demonstrates a deep understanding of market dynamics and business strategies to drive financial performance

• Advanced Executive Presentation and Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in delivering compelling presentations and effectively interacting with senior executives

• Expert Financial Modeling and Analytical Proficiency: Capable of developing sophisticated financial models and conducting thorough analyses to support strategic decision-making.

• Meticulous Attention to Detail for Consistent, High-Quality Outcomes: Ensures accuracy and precision in financial reporting and analysis, maintaining the highest standards of quality.

• Superior Planning and Organizational Expertise to Meet Deadlines: Excels in managing multiple priorities and projects, ensuring timely and efficient completion of tasks.

• Sound Judgment and Decision-Making Ability: Exercises strong judgment in evaluating financial scenarios and making informed, strategic decisions

• Proven Initiative in Driving Process Improvements: Demonstrates a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements that optimize efficiency and effectiveness

• Resilience Under Pressure in Dynamic Environments: Thrives in fast-paced settings, maintaining composure and delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines

• Collaborative Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Effectively leads and works within cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and achieving shared goals

• Confident in Articulating Diverse Perspectives: Comfortable and skilled in presenting alternative viewpoints, contributing to well-rounded decision-making processes

• Track Record of Building Positive Team Culture and Talent Development: Successfully cultivates a positive team environment and is dedicated to mentoring and developing team members to reach their full potential

Minimum education and work experience required:

• B.S. degree in Finance-related field

• Experience with PowerBI and Salesforce is preferred

• 10+ years’ progressive finance and/or sales strategy experience

• 5+ years’ experience managing a team

Additional Job Description

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cognex is an equal opportunity employer. Cognex evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.