James C. Kenney's Resume

James C. Kenney

Key Account Manager, Transportation, Consumer Industrial, EV Battery, ESS, Powertrain & Medical Device

Male

Live in United States

Nationality United States

Summary

Results-driven leader with expertise in advanced manufacturing, automation, and medical device industries. Skilled in business development, sales engineering, and turnkey implementation of complex automation solutions. Proven track record of optimizing productivity and throughput through lean manufacturing, process improvement, and cost-effective operational strategies. Builds strong partnerships with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and key stakeholders. Committed to driving sustainable growth, regulatory compliance, and innovation in fast-paced, highly regulated environments.

Work experience

Key Account Manager, Transportation, Consumer Industrial, EV Battery, ESS, Powertrain & Medical Device
PIA Automation
2024.01-Current
(3 years)
· Generated over 90 new business opportunities, expanding sales pipeline across strategic markets · Developed and grew key strategic accounts in Medical Device sector · Revitalized dormant relationships with major industry leaders, unlocking new revenue streams · Led business development initiatives in Medical Device, Consumer Industrial, and Transportation segments throughout North America · Re-engaged Tier 1 customers, resulting in RFQs exceeding $10 million · Created new opportunities in energy storage sector · Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, engineering, and sales leadership · Motivated and unified sales team during bi-weekly meetings
Consultation Sales Manager
Laser Processing Solutions
2001.04-Current
(26 years)
· Consulted with automation companies on equipment selection and processes · Provided continuous improvement evaluations for deployed equipment
Sales Account Manager, Transportation
Eclipse Automation
2023.10-2024.12
(a year)
· Developed and sold custom assembly automation systems and process solutions · Delivered technical presentations to current and prospective customers · Collaborated with customers and applications engineers to assess equipment needs · Generated leads through cold-calling, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and ZoomInfo · Led opportunity review meetings with functional teams · Created visual concepts, wrote and presented proposals · Identified new strategic commercial partnerships · Facilitated growth opportunities in transportation and BESS markets
North American Sales Manager
nLIGHT, Inc.
2021.10-2023.01
(a year)
· Grew sales channel footprint in Fiber Laser Welding across North America · Increased customer base by over 500% · Drove new sales opportunities from inception to closure with deals over $2.5 million · Developed business relationships with key integrators for recurring purchases · Maintained close contact with key eMobility customers · Operated as technical liaison for applications lab demonstrations · Supported trade show activities and lead generation
Technical Sales Manager
Plasmo-USA LLC (nLIGHT GmbH)
2019.08-2021.10
(2 years)
· Drove business development in North American Market for eMobility and Energy Storage Systems · Established and maintained 7 new eMobility key accounts · Exceeded goals by more than $800K despite COVID shutdowns · Led weekly pipeline reviews with Sr. Management in Austria · Initiated sale of plasmo to nLIGHT’s Mergers & Acquisitions
Laser Welding Technical Sales Manager (SME)
EMAG LLC
2018.09-2019.08
(a year)
· Exceeded Q1 goals for eMobility & Powertrain by 40% · Developed technical laser welding presentations and demo material · Established new relationships with prospective OEM buyers · Participated in technical negotiations and scope of work definitions · Held weekly sales strategy meetings
Corporate Laser Process Engineer (SME, LSO)
Gates Corporation
2017.06-2018.09
(a year)
· Conducted DFSS & DOE’s, cycle time & feasibility studies · Integrated and proved out Robotic Laser Welding Cell at NA Technical Center · Created Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis (PFMEA) · Defined weld acceptance criteria · Coordinated conversion of prototype Laser Weld cell to production system · Developed new hybrid laser weld process for product line
Corporate Laser Process Engineer (SME, LSO)
Kirchhoff Automotive
2012.12-2017.06
(5 years)
· Troubleshot and tracked laser maintenance for 26 work cells across 7 plants · Led Six Sigma and continuous improvement projects, achieving $800,000+ annual savings · Developed predictive and preventive maintenance programs · Implemented data collection system for equipment effectiveness · Presented monthly health reports for laser systems · Managed North American capital expenses for laser systems
Corporate Laser Process Engineer, North America (SME
Gestamp North America
2008.01-2012.03
(4 years)
· Supervised 11 direct laser maintenance reports · Key contributor to the coordination and installation of all Trumpf 8030, & Prima Lasers. · Managed all day-to-day managerial functions including scheduling, reports, time studies, inspection, and advanced engineering Professional Affiliations · ALAW – Advanced Laser Application Workshop (Active member since 2016, Committee Co-Chair 2019–Present) · Host quarterly planning meetings · To pursue industry leaders to present latest advancements
System Technician, Air Navigational Computer Technician, Microminiature Soldering Expert
United States Navy: USS Enterprise CVN-65
1985.07-1994.07
(9 years)