Position : VP, ESL Business Development

Location : St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Requisition ID: : 27515

General Purpose

Have overall responsibility for managing both the revenue and cost elements of a business’ income statement, known as profit & loss responsibility.​ Manage assigned business including strategic business planning, annual operating plan, and the sales and marketing function. Manage the development and execution of the business plan and meet or exceed business KPIs and net income objectives through effective collaboration with key stakeholders.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the effective planning, delegating, coordinating, staffing, organizing, and decision making to attain desirable profit-making results while adhering to regulatory and company policies

• Develop and manage the operating plan to meet or exceed business objectives. Determine strategies and tactics for achieving financial objectives, presenting assumptions, and recommending objectives. Make sound business projections, identify the impact of budgetary assumption changes, and make appropriate adjustments

• Ensure sales execution for the business by working with existing internal sales infrastructure and developing external broker network

• Establish pricing strategies to maximize operating income for assigned business and the organization. Analyze cost drivers such as commodities, fuel, resin, etc., to determine selling price. Apply a deep understanding of customers, market conditions, and competitors to determine what the market will bear

• Partner with S&OP and operations management teams to direct production and inventory management activities; partner with marketing management to successfully commercialize new product launches and product improvements to the marketplace; and partner with distribution management to develop strategies and initiatives to optimize distribution

• Effectively lead cross-functional projects related to growth opportunities, continuous improvement, and other key business initiatives. Set clear direction for project teams and involve appropriate people and functions to design, develop and implement key continuous improvement initiatives and ensure standard processes, tool, etc., are implemented and leveraged effectively. Meet project objectives through well-coordinated and integrated work efforts. Use a collaborative approach to ensure that new initiatives are well-executed

• Manage commercialization activities of innovation projects including the launch of new products, establishment of sales strategy, and the execution and achievement of distribution goals

• Effectively manage risk to the business unit and company by considering the legal implications of business decisions. Exercise sound judgment when entering into contractual agreements related to new business, distributors, etc. Consult next level manager and legal counsel as appropriate

• Communicate company goals and assist in establishing objectives that align with assigned business and organizational goals; communicate business direction, focus and goals

• Lead with a positive leadership mindset and strong communication style; effectively motivate and reward employees

• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in business administration or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

• 15 or more years’ experience managing successful growth businesses, preferably in dairy, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry

• Experience managing sales strategy and execution; experience with profit and loss and financial responsibilities

• 4 or more years of people management experience that includes leading senior managers and a significant area or multiple departments

• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill in leadership and coaching

• Knowledge and experience of the US retailer network and management of warehouse distributed CPG products

• Strong sales and financial focus and continuous improvement mindset

• Skill in analytical thinking and problem solving

• Able to think strategically with well-honed business skills and savvy

• Able to demonstrate solid business judgement and decision-making skills

• Able to solve complex problems or address challenging situations at both the strategic and functional levels

• Able to organize and manage multiple priorities

• Able to interact positively and work effectively with all levels of the organization effectively

• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (i.e., organizational skills)

• Able to influence both direct reports and indirect reporting support teams to achieve objectives

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing

An Equal Opportunity Employer