Confidential Search
Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Location: Midwest U.S. (Chicago preferred)
Travel: ~50% (higher in first year)
Compensation: Base salary starting in the low $200Ks with performance-based incentives
The Opportunity
A privately held industrial business with a proven product line and established OEM relationships is poised for its next stage of growth. Current revenues are in the single-digit millions, with a clear trajectory to reach double digits in the near future.
We are searching confidentially for a sales and marketing leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution. This is not a “sit above the business” role — it requires someone who thrives in a smaller company environment, with the discipline to build systems and the drive to personally deliver results. The EVP will be directly engaged with customers, own major negotiations, strengthen sales processes, and mentor a capable VP of Sales, while serving as the commercial voice at the executive table.
Why Now
The company has secured its operational foundation, established a strong base of OEM relationships, and is ready to scale. This EVP role is being created at a pivotal moment — where leadership can make a measurable impact on revenue growth, customer expansion, and the overall trajectory of the business.
What You’ll Do
Grow Revenue: Lead the company through its next scale-up phase, establishing and executing a commercial strategy that supports sustained double-digit growth.
Be With Customers: Spend roughly 75% of your time directly with OEMs, distributors, and partners — building trust, developing opportunities, negotiating contracts, and representing the company at trade shows and industry events.
Negotiate & Close: Take ownership of high-value negotiations on contracts, pricing, and warranties, ensuring profitability and discipline.
Own the Sales Process: Audit and improve existing systems for forecasting, proposal tracking, customer feedback, and follow-up, creating a culture of accountability.
Lead & Mentor: Manage and develop the VP of Sales, instilling rigor and commercial acumen while coordinating with marketing and product teams.
Expand Markets: Pursue new applications and international opportunities, balancing direct engagement with representative networks.
Oversee Marketing: Ensure consistent and professional presence across social media, PR, digital platforms, and the company’s upgraded website, aligning brand and growth goals.
Executive Voice: Provide clear commercial insight to the CEO and leadership team, contributing to board-level strategy and planning.
What Success Looks Like
Accurate forecasts that inform company planning and investor confidence.
Disciplined sales pipeline management with consistent follow-up and conversion.
Stronger pricing discipline and profitable contracts.
Expansion into new customer segments and geographies.
Measurable revenue growth year over year.
A VP of Sales who is more structured, accountable, and effective under your mentorship.
The Sales Environment
Sales Cycles: 6–12 months with distributors/integrators; 18–24 months with OEMs.
Deal Scope: Production programs typically involve hundreds to low-thousands of units annually. Success depends on trust-building, prototype-to-production transitions, and disciplined follow-up — not high-volume consumer or automotive cycles.
Customer Relationships: Established base of North American OEMs and select European customers, with opportunities for international expansion.
Marketing Systems: Website management and social media presence in place but requiring structure and consistency.
What We’re Looking For
15+ years of progressive experience in senior B2B sales and marketing roles.
Background in complex sales to OEMs or industrial manufacturers.
Proven record of negotiating major customer contracts and driving profitable growth.
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with experience developing accountable teams.
Ability to expand internationally through reps and direct engagement.
Entrepreneurial, ownership-oriented mindset — thrives in a nimble, smaller-company environment where follow-through matters.
Bachelor’s degree in a technical field required; MBA preferred.
Why This Role
Scope & Growth: Join a company with proven products and customers, ready for its next level of scale.
Impact: A highly visible role where both strategy and execution are in your hands.
Balance: Roughly half your time with customers, the rest across leadership, marketing, and executive reporting.
Culture: Best suited to leaders who enjoy building systems, mentoring teams, and rolling up their sleeves — not those seeking a fully built-out corporate machine.
Compensation: Competitive base ($200K+) plus incentive upside tied to results.
Flexibility: Midwest base preferred; remote possible with frequent travel.