Vice President, Sales & Marketing

We're not looking for a head of sales. We're looking for a growth architect.

This role is built for a seasoned commercial leader who thinks in years, not quarters...someone who refuses to get pulled into the gravitational force of day-to-day sales activity because they know their real value is shaping where the business is going, not just what it closes next week.

At Polywater, the Vice President of Sales & Marketing will define and drive a long-term commercial strategy that unlocks new markets, expands our footprint, and positions our brand as the clear leader across key verticals. This is not a "run the playbook" role - it's a "build the future" role.

We need an experienced leader who looks at a product line and asks:

• How do we dominate this vertical over the next 3–5 years?
• How do we create demand - not just respond to it?
• How do we elevate brand awareness in a way that compounds over time?

Not someone focused on tactical outputs like flyers or short-term wins, but someone obsessed with market positioning, brand strength, and sustainable revenue growth.

If you're a strategic operator who can see around corners, align cross-functional teams, and build a commercial engine designed for the long haul, this is your seat at the table.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Sales & Marketing is a strategic executive leader responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding market share, strengthening brand positioning, and aligning commercial strategy with operational execution. This role leads the development and execution of integrated sales and marketing strategies across direct, distributor, and strategic partner channels.

Reporting to the EVP, Americas, the VP of Sales & Marketing partners closely with Operations, Finance, Engineering, and Product Development to ensure sustainable, profitable growth aligned with Polywater's long-term strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year commercial growth strategy aligned with corporate objectives

• Identify and prioritize target markets, verticals, and geographic expansion opportunities

• Partner with Operations, R&D, and Finance to align demand forecasting, pricing, and margin goals.

• Lead annual revenue planning and long-range strategic planning initiatives.

Sales Leadership

Direct all sales functions including:

• Direct global sales for all markets

• Distribution channels

• OEM strategies

• Technical Sales Support

• Establish sales targets, KPIs, and performance metrics

• Drive disciplined pipeline management and forecasting accuracy

• Develop strategic pricing frameworks to optimize margin and competitiveness

• Lead negotiations for major contracts and high-value customer partnerships

Marketing Leadership

• Develop and implement integrated marketing strategy including:

• Brand positioning

• Digital marketing

• Trade shows & industry events

• Technical product literature

• Market research & competitive analysis

• Oversee product launch strategy in partnership with R&D

• Strengthen market intelligence processes to identify emerging industry trends

• Participate in industry associations and committees to maintain relationships and relevance in the market.

Customer & Market Development

• Expand market share within commercial/industrial, infrastructure, utility, and energy, sectors (as applicable)

• Build strategic partnerships with distributors and OEMs

• Lead voice-of-customer initiatives to drive product development and retention

• Enhance customer experience and long-term account growth

Financial & Operational Alignment

• Drive profitable revenue growth with strong focus on contribution margin

• Lead pricing strategy and discount governance

• Partner with Finance on:

• Sales budget planning

• Commission plan design

• Margin improvement initiatives

• Ensure commercial commitments align with manufacturing capacity and supply chain realities

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing commercial team

• Establish accountability through performance management systems

• Create succession planning and leadership development pathways within the sales organization

• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and customer-centric decision making

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

• 10+ years of progressive commercial leadership experience manufacturing:

• Proven track record of scaling B2B revenue growth

• Experience leading direct and distributor sales channels

• Strong pricing and margin management experience

• Executive presence with board-level communication capability

Preferred:

• MBA or advanced technical degree

• Experience in ESOP or privately held manufacturing environment

• Experience in chemical, industrial, or specialty manufacturing

• Global market exposure

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Commercial Vision

• Technical Market Understanding

• Pricing & Margin Optimization

• Executive Communication

• Data-Driven Decision Making

• Negotiation & Contract Strategy

• Change Leadership

• Cross-Functional Alignment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer.

• Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment.

• Ability to communicate clearly in person and through digital tools.

• Ability to review and interpret information on screens and documents.

• Occasional movement within the office and ability to lift up to 15 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS at POLYWATER

Ownership & Financial Growth

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – build equity in the company at no cost to you

• Competitive 401(k) with company match

• Profit sharing opportunities

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT AN ESOP?

• You become a

  part-owner

  of the company.

• You earn stock

  without investing your own money

• Your account grows as the company performs well.

• When you retire or leave, you

  cash out your shares

  for their fair market value.

• It's

  in addition to

  other benefits like 401(k) and profit sharing.

Other Benefits

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Life, & Disability, Vision

• EAP

• Paid Personal Leave

• Paid Holidays

Reports to: EVP, Americas

Travel required: 10-25%

Position Type

Full-Time, Regular

Job Classification: Exempt

Work Location: Stillwater, MN

Posted salary range includes base pay, plus quarterly profit sharing.