THE COMPANY

Our client is a leading provider of household pet and equestrian products.

THE POSITION

Our client seeks a Vice President of Equestrian who will be responsible for developing brand strategies across multiple product lines and channels of distribution (with a focus on apparel and DTC) and lead their team to execute them.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes, develops and supports a people-centric culture that functions in a team-based empowered work environment using Lean tools techniques and methods.
• Leads sales team to build customer loyalty and increase sales to meet targeted objectives. Develops and executes sales and marketing strategy.
• Focuses on brand consistency and development; works with marketing and sales team to create strategies to strengthen brands and lead team to successfully execute.
• Identifies and evaluates opportunities for growth with new and existing customers.
• Identifies, analyzes and develops business cases for new products or business acquisition opportunities for approval by the Leadership Team.
• Attends customer and industry trade shows, line reviews and annual meetings; develops relationships with buyers and higher-level personnel at key accounts.
• Oversees revenue forecasting and expense budgeting; owns processes and is responsible for accuracy; and adjusts to minimize excess inventory and expenses.
• Develops sales forecast emphasizing SKU level accuracy.
• Has P&L responsibility and works with the executive team to develop annual budget and ensures targeted EBITDA attainment.

• At least twelve years of related experience (marketing and / or sales) with a minimum of five years in a leadership role and demonstrated P&L success; experience working in the equestrian apparel segment and a passion for equestrian sports are highly preferred.
• Cradle-to-grave experience and capabilities to launch new products that not only respond to the voice of the customer, but are also manufacturable, profitable and consistent with Lean operations.
• Past success developing and increasing profitable sales through strategic and well-executed plans to develop brand recognition and new product introductions.
• Successful track record leading and managing people along with the desire to work in a small company that values its team members as its most important asset; strong soft skills are a must.