Our firm has been retained to recruit the Vice President of Sales and Marketing of a $100M private equity-backed manufacturer of metal fabricated products.

Our client enjoys a leading market share in North America and, backed by two private equity firms, has plans for aggressive growth.  They have three manufacturing facilities in North America and plan to add a fourth.
 
Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will be a true strategic sales and marketing executive, someone who can segment the market by profitability, look at the business from a strategic standpoint and devise the best strategy to grow the top and bottom line.  The ideal candidate will understand how to develop long-term relationships at large accounts and will be experienced in selling large contracts to major retailers.

Key qualifications include:

•   a minimum of ten years of strategic sales and marketing management experience; experience must include working for a manufacturer that sells on a contractual basis to major retailers; the ideal candidate has been either the VP of Sales and Marketing or an up-and-comer at the Director level; experience selling through manufacturer’s reps is a plus;

•   experience in forecasting, market segmentation and analysis; a high comfort level with developing and executing analytically based, data-driven marketing strategies with a focus on driving profitable sales growth;

•   an innovative and strategic mindset; will be interested in and involved with the totality of the business, not just sales and marketing; will be able to meaningfully participate in developing strategies to support a rapid growth plan; will bring rational, objective judgment to bear on tough issues and decisions; will be a key member of the management committee.

•   a highly driven, roll-up-the-sleeves work style; a person who enjoys a small company atmosphere; will have a spirit of pitching in to get the job done; will be comfortable in an environment with lean staffing;

•   tremendous leadership and decision-making ability; the bent for taking responsibility, moving ahead and encouraging others; must have the self-confidence, integrity, intellect, and perseverance that inspires trust and confidence; must possess a strong drive to “win” and take the organization to the next level;

•   solid people and cultural sensitivity skills; the ability to get along with people at all levels (from the manufacturing floor to the Board) of the organization; must be able to motivate and rally the troops around a central goal and processes;

•   infectious enthusiasm, self-confidence and a high energy level; a low need for personal limelight; a good listener with a sense of humor who will embrace our client’s core values that emphasize customer first, enjoyment of work and family, employee growth and teamwork; an open door policy; knows that people are a company’s greatest strength;

•   a degree from an accredited four-year college; an MBA would be a plus.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing company.  An attractive compensation package, including base salary and bonus, will be tailored to the successful candidate’s requirements.

If you have a personal interest in this position or thoughts of knowledgeable sources or potential candidates, please email resume2@sockwell.com.  Your suggestions will be held in strictest confidence.