Title : Vice President, Sales
Reports to : President / CEO
The Vice President of Sales is responsible for leading and evolving Melitta North America's national sales strategy and execution across all trade channels, with a strong emphasis on revenue growth, channel expansion and customer engagement. This executive role will serve as a key member of our senior leadership team, reporting directly to the President / CEO, and will be responsible for aligning sales execution with the company's overall strategic goals and vision.
The VP of Sales drives results through exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. This individual also oversees all in home sales operations, including direct sales teams, external brokers, and key account relationships, while playing a central role in new product commercialization, trade investment, and market development.
Sales Strategy & Growth Leadership
- Develop and execute a national sales strategy aligned with corporate objectives and long-term growth plans.
- Identify and pursue new market opportunities and emerging sales channels to drive geographic and revenue expansion.
- Lead annual sales planning, forecasting, and budget management processes with a focus on performance optimization and ROI.
- Contribute to the overall business strategy of Melitta North America and represent sales priorities in executive decision-making.
2. Sales Team Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing internal sales organization and external broker network.Define performance metrics , establish accountability, and foster a culture of collaboration and achievement.Attract and retain top sales talent while nurturing future leaders.Key Account & Channel Management
Build and maintain strong executive-level relationships with key national and regional customers.Support National Account Managers in strategic planning, customer negotiations, and execution of promotional programs.Provide regular updates to executive leadership on account performance, risks, and opportunities.Product Commercialization & Sales Execution
Oversee successful go-to-market execution for new product launches and line extensions.Partner with Marketing, Operations, and Finance to ensure synchronized planning, availability, and promotional alignment.Ensure accurate sales forecasting and effective demand planning with internal stakeholders.Market & Competitive Intelligence
Monitor market trends, customer behaviors, and competitive activities to inform business decisions.Utilize insights and data to adapt sales strategy and respond proactively to industry dynamics.Retail Execution Excellence
Oversee the retail execution programs, including proprietary tools and in-store condition monitoring.Ensure brand presence and merchandising excellence across retail environments.Trade Investment & Financial Management
Develop and manage trade spend frameworks that support customer growth while ensuring profitability.Track performance of promotional programs and adjust budgets to maximize ROI.Ensure compliance with financial controls and forecast accuracy.Industry Representation & Relationship Building
Serve as a key ambassador for Melitta North America at industry events, trade shows, and customer forums.Strengthen the company's presence and reputation in the marketplace through active industry engagement.Qualifications & Skills
Education : Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field required; MBA preferred.Experience : Minimum 8 years of progressive sales leadership experience, with a proven track record of leading high-impact teams and delivering growth. Experience in CPG, retail, or food / beverage industries preferred.Leadership : Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead, and scale sales teams in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.Strategic Acumen : Strong business and financial acumen with expertise in trade marketing, P&L ownership, and strategic planning.Analytical & Tech Skills : Proficient in CRM systems, sales analytics platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite, SAP experience a plus.Travel : Willingness and ability to travel extensively (75% +) to maintain a visible and hands-on leadership style across markets and teams.This position is located in our Clearwater HQ office and will report directly to the President / CEO. This is a key role in shaping the future direction of the business unit while driving operational success and innovation across the organization.