As the business grows, we are seeking smart, creative, and experienced individuals to join our talented team! Key attributes and qualities we are looking for in candidates for all open roles include an entrepreneurial spirit, innovative and solution-oriented, adaptable and resilient, best-practices methodology, team-oriented with a lean-in attitude, highest standards for execution, and a high level of accountability.

We are currently searching for a high-performing VP of Wholesale Sales to ensure optimal brand growth throughout all respective wholesale distribution channels and across all product lines reinforced by unmatched service within the eyewear industry. Key responsibilities include developing the wholesale growth strategy, sales leadership, territory expansion, cross-functional leadership and alignment, and maintaining key customer relationships.

Key responsibilities include:

Sales Strategy & Leadership

• Establish multi-year growth strategies across all eyewear categories and partners including independent optical retailers, sun specialty accounts, department store, and apparel boutiques.
• Develop and maintain a twelve-month rolling budget of revenue and expenses that syncs with company objectives.
• Establish sales territories that evolve as markets mature and grow.
• Manage outside sales reps consisting of both independent and employed sales reps. This includes establishing an appropriate commission and compensation 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. Create programs that drive expansion, partnerships, and other opportunities.
• Lead development of our wholesale loyalty program to incentivize, recognize, and reward top accounts.
• Provide analysis and reporting on business results including outreach, sales initiation inbound sales orders, closing sales, reorders and account satisfaction.

Sales Operations

• Establish and manage wholesale operations calendar, including key market dates, tradeshows, 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 Cooperation

• 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
• Working with VP of Marketing foster brand alignment through establishing and implementing Pop and marketing activities that ensure KREWE’s high brand standards are maintained throughout the channel
• Build 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:

• 8+ 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