Vice President, North American Sales & Marketing (Packaging)

As the Vice President of North American Sales & Marketing at Cielo Executive Search, you will oversee the entire Packaging Sales and Marketing business unit. This involves driving sales growth, managing commercial performance, and ensuring the overall health of the business unit. Your role will encompass various functions including Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Technical Service. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing and executing sales strategies, managing P&L responsibilities, and leading a team of over 180 sales professionals.

Candidates for the Vice President of North American Sales & Marketing role at Cielo Executive Search should have at least a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field, with an MBA preferred. Around ten years of experience in a commercial role within a large, global manufacturing environment is essential, particularly in the packaging and materials industry. Strong leadership capabilities, financial acumen, and proven strategic execution skills are also critical qualifications.

Ideal candidates for the Vice President of North American Sales & Marketing at Cielo Executive Search will come with a minimum of ten years in a commercial role, particularly in a global manufacturing context. Familiarity with market trends, customer preferences, and the regulatory landscape within the packaging industry is crucial. Experience in transforming sales organizations into a more value-focused approach, along with knowledge of Salesforce and PowerBI, will be highly preferred.

Team leadership is a central part of the Vice President of North American Sales & Marketing role at Cielo Executive Search. You will be tasked with leading and developing a high-performing team of over 180 sales professionals. Your ability to inspire, motivate, and drive accountability within your team will be essential in executing successful sales strategies and achieving organizational goals.

The Vice President of North American Sales & Marketing at Cielo Executive Search will play a crucial role in driving transformation through growth initiatives. By emphasizing automation, sustainability, and digital advancements, you will be responsible for expanding product offerings and enhancing operational efficiencies. Your leadership will not only accelerate revenue growth but also shape a resilient organization prepared to meet future challenges in the packaging sector.

When addressing your experience leading sales teams, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage diverse groups and drive performance. Discuss the size of the teams you've led, the markets you've worked in, and the key results achieved through your leadership. Highlight your approach to team motivation and how you’ve implemented changes to improve sales outcomes.

To answer this question effectively, outline your approach to market research, competitor analysis, and customer segmentation. Discuss how you identify new opportunities and develop strategies tailored to meet the needs of these segments. Highlight previous successes and the metrics used to measure your progress.

To instill a culture of high performance, emphasize the importance of setting clear expectations, regular feedback, and recognition of achievements. Discussing specific tactics such as training programs, performance metrics, and reward systems can help illustrate your commitment to developing a motivated workforce.

When discussing successful change implementation, provide a specific example, detailing the situation, challenges faced, and your actions. Focus on the impact of the change on the organization and how you managed resistance while ensuring alignment with team goals.

In your answer, highlight your experience with budget management, financial forecasting, and performance monitoring. Explain how you align financial goals with sales strategies and the importance of using metrics to measure success. Providing examples from your previous roles will enhance your credibility.

To enhance collaboration between sales and marketing, discuss the importance of open communication, shared goals, and integrated strategies. Provide examples of how you've facilitated joint initiatives in the past, such as joint planning sessions, feedback loops, and co-creation of marketing materials.

Emphasizing customer feedback in your sales strategy is crucial. Discuss your methods for collecting and analyzing customer insights, and how this information informs your sales approaches. Mention any specific changes you’ve made based on customer feedback that has led to improved outcomes.

When discussing task prioritization, mention methodologies such as the Eisenhower Matrix or Agile management that help you assess what’s urgent versus important. Provide real-life examples that showcase your ability to juggle multiple projects while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.

Outline your vision by setting specific, measurable goals for your first year. Discuss initial areas of focus such as understanding current processes, team dynamics, and market conditions. Mention how you would plan to assess and adjust strategies based on insights gained during this transitional period.

In your response, emphasize the importance of transparency, communication, goal-setting, and providing support. Share strategies like regular check-ins, celebrating small wins, and offering professional development opportunities. Highlight any past experiences where your efforts directly contributed to morale and performance during tough periods.