Sales Operations Manager – EMEA.
Reports To: Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Dotted Line to CEO and CFO.
Position Overview
CEL Critical Power is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sales Operations Manager to lead our EMEA Sales Operations function from our Dublin headquarters. Reporting to the Chief Sales Officer, this critical leadership role is responsible for overseeing the technical estimating and inside sales teams, optimising operational processes, and driving continuous improvement across bid quality, estimating accuracy, and internal sales support.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical and commercial acumen, thrive in cross-functional collaboration, and consistently deliver operational excellence in support of CEL Critical Power's growth and commitment to best-in-class critical power solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Management
* Manage and interface with key vendors in alignment with Procurement team agreements and frameworks.
* Ensure adequate 3rd-party vendor coverage across all categories: components, services, and traded finished products (e.g. MV switchgear, transformers, UPS, STS).
* Partner with Procurement to optimise vendor relationships, pricing agreements, and alignment with commercial strategy.
* Conduct periodic visits to key vendor sites to build strategic supply chain relationships.
* Standardise and improve pricing tools and routines to ensure consistency, efficiency, and cost certainty.
* Ensure all estimating activities follow approved processes to mitigate business risk.
Leadership & Departmental Oversight
* Lead the EMEA Sales Operations function, providing clear direction and fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Represent CEL professionally in customer engagements and strategic opportunities, working closely with the CSO.
* Ensure alignment between departmental activities and company strategy.
* Drive ISO compliance and industry best practices across all functions.
* Act as liaison between Sales Operations and other departments, ensuring seamless information flow and collaboration.
* Provide data-driven updates at senior management meetings.
Technical Estimating Team Management
* Lead and support estimating teams across multiple product areas:
Modular Solutions: LV/MV PowerPods, Skidded Switchgear, Integrated Skidded Switchrooms
Manufactured Products: LV Switchgear, Package Substations, PDUs, RPPs, Pharma MCCs
Augmented Solutions: MV Switchboards, Busduct Systems, Transformers, UPS, RMUs, STS
* Oversee workload allocation, ensuring:
Accuracy in technical and commercial outputs, Timely bid submissions and High-quality, complete bid documentation.
Process & Tools Development
* Develop and maintain estimating and quotation templates.
* Identify and implement automation opportunities and digital tools to improve consistency and efficiency.
Team Development & Training
* Design and deliver comprehensive internal and external training programs.
* Organise regular product and solution training sessions with supply chain partners.
* Champion upskilling via online courses, in-person sessions, and certification pathways.
Inside Sales & Admin Oversight
* Lead the Inside Sales and administrative teams.
* Ensure effective task distribution, skill cross-training, and avoidance of functional silos.
* Oversee quotation and order management for: Managed Service Agreements (MSAs), and repeatable and standard product offerings.
Performance Management
* Define and cascade departmental goals aligned with company KPIs.
* Apply Lean principles and use visual boards and performance metrics to drive results.
Process Documentation & Standardisation
* Maintain a comprehensive suite of process documentation in line with company and ISO standards.
* Create a structured departmental training manual for onboarding and upskilling.
* Develop supplementary materials such as screen recordings and video guides.
* Enforce consistent document naming, folder structures, data entry standards, and version control.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Sales: Ensure timely bid support, clean order handoffs, and data accuracy.
* Procurement/Supply Chain: Keep vendor data current; support sourcing and pricing strategies.
* Business Ops/Finance: Coordinate SAP data integrity, sales forecasting, invoicing, and milestone billing.
* Engineering/Project Management: Support handover from sales to execution, including resource planning and change order pricing.
* Manufacturing: Align project scheduling and capacity planning.
* Marketing: Collaborate on bid materials and ensure consistency in customer-facing content and event support.
Requirements
Required Skills & Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
* Minimum 10 years of Sales Operations experience in a technical/manufacturing/critical power environment.
* Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
* Strong commercial acumen and deep understanding of the electrical or data centre industries.
* Familiarity with Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
* Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and CRM tools.
* Exceptional communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
* High attention to detail and strong commitment to compliance and quality.
Benefits
Why Join CEL Critical Power?
Join a Trusted Industry Leader – 42 Years of Excellence
CEL has been delivering high-quality, bespoke power distribution solutions for over four decades, with products that stand the test of time.
Be Part of a Global Expansion
With CEL launching its first US manufacturing plant, you will have the opportunity to work on international projects and documentation standards while collaborating with colleagues across North America.
Collaborate with World-Class Engineers, Vendors & Industry Experts
You'll work alongside leading engineers, project managers, document controllers, product managers, and global vendors, ensuring excellence and operational success across CEL's international teams.
Shape the Future of CEL – Critical Power
This is more than just an operator role—it's an opportunity to help forge the future of CEL and our expansion across the US.
Competitive Salary, Benefits & Career Growth
We offer structured career development, professional training, and leadership opportunities, ensuring long-term career progression.