This search is being conducted by Collaborative Strategies on behalf of Tacony Corporation (“Tacony”). This organization began in Nick Tacony’s basement as a post-war, start-up company 78 years ago and has since grown into an internationally recognized global products company with 9 offices, 350+ employees, and successful sales in over 100 countries. Now operating under experienced, third generation family leadership, Tacony is ready to write its next chapter as a distributor, manufacturer, wholesaler, omni-channel, and marketer of diverse, innovative, and niche products in the sewing, home floorcare, and commercial cleaning marketplace. For more information on Tacony and its range of retail and commercial product offerings, visit www.tacony.com.
Piloting a new chapter of growth, Tacony is excited to add to the team a Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (“CSMO”). This key executive leadership position will focus on driving Tacony’s sales strategy across all product lines, ensuring profitable growth, leading high-performing sales teams, and partnering closely with marketing to yield success for Tacony’s independent retailers, distribution partners, national retail, and OEM accounts. This key executive will support and lead a strong marketing team focused on a forward-thinking strategy across the company.
The ideal candidate will bring prior executive team leadership, proven sales and growth strategy, Profit & Loss (P&L) ownership, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), and exceptional team leadership skills. Tacony is seeking a strategic leader with a growth-oriented mindset who challenges the status quo, has an owner’s mentality and a passion for leading sales and marketing in an ever-changing multi-channel landscape.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer will:
• BE A KEY MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM – Partners with the CEO, President, and the leadership team on annual business and strategic planning, sales and marketing strategy, product development, operations, technology, people, and the development of long-term goals to ensure profitable and sustainable growth. Partner closely and cross-functionally alongside executive colleagues while modeling Tacony’s core values and entrepreneurial leadership.
• DRIVE PROFITABLE REVENUE GROWTH, GROSS MARGINS AND EARNINGS – Evaluate and deploy the sales organization in alignment with established sales process and strategic goals to yield success in complex channels. Lead the sales planning and forecasting effort to meet both short- and long-term goals. Evaluate new channels and influence new product development and pricing strategy. Serve as chief thought leader for internal sales teams. as well as a strategic business advisor for Tacony’s independent retail, distribution, international, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and national account base. Participate in developing an international long-term growth strategy.
• BUILD PRODUCTIVE, STRONG WORKING RELATIONSHIPS - Drive collaboration and partnerships between internal teams such as executive leaders, sales, product, operations, finance and marketing. Be a strategic business advisor for Tacony’s independent retail, distribution, international, OEM, and national account base. Represent Tacony in long-term key supplier and customer relationships and continually building upon them.
• OVERSEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE MARKETING STRATEGIES – Partners and provides oversight to a team focused on a diverse B2B and D2C marketing strategies, brand management, customer acquisition, web and eCommerce, and innovative marketing ideas. Partner to develop and launch new product ideas.
• FOSTER A HIGH PERFORMING TEAM – Inspire, motivate, evaluate, and develop sales and marketing leadership, and selling and marketing teams for independent retail, distribution, national retail, OEM, and international sales. Oversee inside sales and customer service. Evaluate talent and implement best sales process and sales methodology. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development. Measure performance and provide meaningful feedback. Resolve issues by communicating and partnering with the appropriate internal resources to meet customer needs and to ensure customer satisfaction.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; MBA and/or related graduate degree strongly preferred.
Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible sales and marketing experience, including prior leadership experience on an executive team, senior management team, and/or as a General Manager of a business unit within a larger organization. Includes experience managing international and regional selling teams, territory managers, individual sales contributors, marketing staff and others. Marketing experience includes marketplace, digital, eCommerce and customer acquisition.
Prior experience managing retail, commercial and international sales and distribution is preferred.
Demonstrated success in managing both OEM as well as national account and big box retail relationships.
Proven ability to manage sales through complex channels and pricing, and in various markets.
Well-honed negotiation skills and strong business acumen.
Strong financial acumen, including prior P&L and budget development, management experience, compensation plans and incentives.
Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Customer Relationship Management software (CRM). Proficiency in Salesforce a plus.
Other Skills & Abilities
Ability to excel in an entrepreneurial environment with an appreciation for family values.
Prior experience in new product development a plus.
Proven experience in driving change, cultivating positive culture, and fostering organizational buy-in for new initiatives through market mastery and a data-driven approach is strongly desired.
A collaborative, yet competitive and resilient attitude with a strong work ethic is desired.
Solid strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to multi-task and assimilate new information quickly.
Customer-service oriented with a high level of integrity and character.
Ability to build rapport across company while quickly and confidently gaining respect of others, including strong interpersonal skills, good listening, and coaching skills.
Personable, approachable, and visible leadership style coupled with a sense of humor!
Location and Travel:
This position will be based out of the St. Louis, Missouri office. This position will be located in the office for at least the first 90 days of onboarding/orientation. After that, there is an option to work from home up to three days per week. There will be 50% travel, including trade shows, customer visits, team meetings and occasional international travel to customer and supplier locations and facilities worldwide and throughout the U.S. Relocation is expected upon hire and relocation assistance is available.
Compensation and Benefits Package:
Joining the company means joining their family! Tacony is proud to have been recognized as a great place to work. Compensation for this position includes a base salary with bonus based on company and individual annual goals. Tacony offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance along with a one of a kind retirement plan with employee matching contributions and, based on company results, an additional profit-sharing, along with STI, LTI, and PTO programs.
Ready to Apply?
If you are interested, qualified and ready to take the next step click the APPLY button on this page. Please do not contact Tacony Corporation directly.
