President, CPG Sales & Marketing

About the Client:

​​​​​​​Our client is a retail services group that helps to grow businesses with sales intellect, guest inspiration & strategic business insights.​​​​​​​ Their entire team is on your side to help in getting on the shelf, staying there, and with continued growth as the ultimate goal. The synergy of their team will provide leadership in influential strategy, analytical insights, and everyday support of forecasting, execution, inventory, and logistics.

About The Role:

Our client is seeking visionary and results-driven executive to join the leadership team as President. This role is suited for a proven sales leader with deep expertise in retail, consumer goods, and brand/factory partnerships. The ideal candidate combines a strong entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to design and execute strategies that deliver profitability, scale, and long-term growth. As President, you will partner closely with the Board, shape the company’s future trajectory, and ultimately take ownership in building value through an ESOP structure.

Location: Minneapolis, MN office (hybrid option)

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Define and execute sales and growth strategies across retail and manufacturing sectors.
  • Lead the development of scalable, multi-vendor programs and services expansion.
  • Drive company profitability through innovative strategy, P&L management, and financial discipline.
• Business Development & Networking
  • Leverage an established network within retail, consumer goods, and manufacturing to accelerate business opportunities.
  • Actively cultivate new high-value executive relationships to strengthen industry presence.
  • Demonstrate a “cold-call” mentality, building new partnerships while deepening existing ones.
• Operational Execution
  • Translate vision into actionable plans, scaling solutions for vendors and retailers.
  • Oversee integration of digital solutions and domestic warehousing/OEM strategies.
  • Ensure operational excellence while maintaining agility in execution.
• Cultural & Team Leadership
  • Inspire and mentor high-performing teams with a culture of accountability, transparency, and growth.
  • Serve as a cultural leader, fostering collaboration across departments and external partners.
• Board & Ownership Partnership
  • Work with the Board to shape the company’s strategic direction.
  • Lead with an entrepreneurial mindset, motivated by ESOP participation and the opportunity to drive long-term shareholder value.

Qualifications:

• Proven Leadership: 10+ years in executive sales leadership roles within retail, consumer goods, or related industries. Experience working for a Sales & Marketing firm is highly preferred.
• Retail Expertise: Deep knowledge of major retailers (especially Target), their organizational structures, and vendor ecosystems.
• Brand & Factory Experience: Track record of aligning brand/factory goals with successful retail execution.
• Sales Strategy & Execution: Ability to design and implement strategic sales plans that deliver aggressive growth targets.
• Networking & Influence: Strong existing network in retail and manufacturing; recognized for integrity and results.
• Financial Acumen: Proficient in budgeting, P&L management, and financial planning.
• Leadership Style: Inspirational, hands-on leader with a passion for developing people and organizations.

Must-Have Traits:

• Profitability with Creative Strategy: Ability to balance visionary planning with financial discipline to ensure long-term success.
• Visionary Thinking: Anticipates future trends, including AI, digital integration, and financial service needs.
• Networking Drive: Entrepreneurial connector who builds and strengthens executive relationships.
• Entrepreneurial Ownership: Passion for running a business with the Board, motivated by ESOP participation and long-term value creation.
• Architect of Solutions: Skilled in scaling action plans, addressing vendor needs (e.g., warehousing, OEM, digital), and driving results.