We are currently searching for a high-performing VP of Sales & Market Development to lead revenue growth both domestically and internationally through a robust market development strategy. The VP will develop and drive the roadmap for growth of all segments of the wholesale channel including key accounts, independent optical accounts, resorts, and partnerships. The strategy will include both the retention and growth of existing accounts and the acquisition of new accounts as we expand into new and emerging markets for Krewe.

This pivotal role will provide a creative and results-oriented leader with deep expertise in eyewear the opportunity to make a notable impact on Krewe’s growth by significantly increasing our distribution in the Optical category – a strategic initiative for the company. They will capitalize on our brand strength and reputation in Sunglasses for to fuel development of the Optical business. As a sales leader, the VP will act as a Krewe ambassador, representing our brand by delivering world-class customer experiences reflective of Krewe’s spirit of hospitality and creativity. They will consistently achieve sales & profitability goals, operational objectives, merchandising standards. Most importantly, they will achieve this through leadership, developing a highly successful team that will be motivated to grow, contribute and advance with Krewe.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Sales Strategy & Leadership

• Establish multi-year growth strategies across all eyewear categories and partners including independent retailers, independent opticians and optometrists, specialty chains, department store, and marketplace accounts.
• Develop and maintain a twelve-month rolling budget of revenue and expenses that syncs with company objectives
• Establish optimum sales territory allocation and evolution as markets mature and evolve
• Manage rep structure including management of both independent and employed sales reps including working with finance on appropriate commission and compensation structure
• Responsible for evolving specialty and independent sales models and account support structure
• Establish relationships directly with key accounts and top independent retail partners to best understand their needs and support the sales team
• Build and secure a pipeline of new business development opportunities including accounts and programs that drive expansion including new distribution partners, partnerships, and other opportunities
• Lead development of our wholesale loyalty program to incentivize, recognize, and reward top accounts
• Provide analysis and reporting including but not limited to outreach, sales initiation inbound sales orders, closing sales, reorders and account satisfaction

Sales Operations

• Establish and manage wholesale operations calendar, including key market dates, trade-shows, sell-in periods, and regular business reviews with key accounts
• Provide recommendations for wholesale pricing and business terms that drive profitable growth
• Ensure B2B platform (NuOrder) is executed at a high level in brand and product presentation and optimized to support new account acquisition and provides an efficient ordering process and a complete self-service customer experience
• Standardize weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales reports with meaningful insights from the department and presenting clear plans to recoup budget variances when applicable

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate across all departments to ensure desired outcomes are achieved
• Pursue continuous improvement of wholesale operations ensuring proactive support of future revenue goals
• Partner with VP Brand Marketing to develop programs that support acquisition of new accounts and support sell-through and reorder with existing accounts; foster brand alignment through establishing and implementing Pop and marketing activities that ensure Krewe’s high brand standards are maintained throughout the channel
• Enhance partnership with Operations and Customer Service team to establish standards for wholesale customers and support for sales team
• Work with Director of Planning to optimize inventory ordering and allocation

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10-12+ years of prior experience in a similar leadership role with P&L accountability
• Track record of delivering continuous growth within the eyewear industry in the North American market
• Reputation for nurturing relationships with eyewear selling accounts of all types and sizes with an established industry network of past and current relationships with buyers, former partners and colleagues
• Proven history for developing and ensuring the success of independent and/or in-house eyewear sales reps through hiring and effective sales management
• Solid understanding of financials including industry pricing, gross margins, and operational accounting
• Demonstrable expertise of the eyewear industry past, present, and future
• Proven ability to establish and drive sales processes from pipeline management to acquisition of new accounts
• Experience in leading wholesale outreach through trade marketing, trade shows, and events
• Demonstrated history of positioning product against competition, and winning
• Ba/Bs degree preferred
• Proficiency in analyzing sales and presenting executive summaries of channel performance with identification of risks and opportunities
• Existing peer network advocating for Krewe to hire you