VP of Commercial-Food & Health Sciences

About Hawkins

Hawkins, Inc. is a formulator, manufacturer, blender, distributer, and sales agent for thousands of industrial chemicals and reagent grade laboratory chemicals sold to municipalities and businesses throughout the Central United States. Thousands across a variety of industries have depended on Hawkins for the chemical products they need since 1938.

Learn more about us at https://www.hawkinsinc.com/careers/

ABOUT THE JOB

The Vice President of Commercial is a senior executive responsible for leading the company's commercial strategy, driving revenue growth, and expanding market presence across the Food & Health Sciences portfolio. This role oversees a high-performing sales organization and is accountable for developing and executing innovative growth strategies, entering new markets, and generating new revenue streams.

This role will identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities across the broader health sectors, build strategic relationships with key customers and brand partners, and ensure best-in-class execution across all sales channels.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Growth & Market Development

• Develop and execute enterprise-wide commercial sales strategies aligned with business growth objectives
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including new markets, revenue streams, and product applications within food, beverage, and health sciences sectors
• Define long-term strategic goals and translate them into actionable sales and market expansion plans
• Leverage market research, competitor analysis, and field insights to continuously refine sales strategies

Revenue Generation & Business Development

• Lead enterprise-level sales efforts, including prospecting, pitching, negotiating, and closing high-value deals
• Establish and grow relationships with key clients, strategic accounts, and brand/vendor partners
• Oversee development of annual sales plans across major accounts to drive growth and customer satisfaction
• Maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities and ensure consistent lead generation and conversion

Customer & Partner Engagement

• Serve as executive sponsor for key customer relationships and major accounts
• Build and maintain long-term partnerships with customers, distributors, and brand vendors
• Deliver high-impact presentations, proposals, and strategic business reviews
• Collaborate with customers to develop customized solutions for complex projects

Commercial Operations & Execution

• Oversee sales/marketing strategy, CRM pipeline management, and customer data integrity
• Ensure development of sales materials, proposals, and collateral to support growth initiatives
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure customer satisfaction and seamless execution
• Drive continuous improvement in sales processes, tools, and operational efficiency

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing, scalable commercial sales organization
• Set performance expectations, manage accountability, and drive a results-oriented culture
• Provide mentorship and guidance to sales leadership and team members to resolve complex business challenges
• Design organizational structures and talent strategies aligned with growth objectives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Align closely with Marketing on brand strategy, campaigns, and go-to-market initiatives
• Partner with Finance on forecasting, pricing strategies, and financial performance management
• Work with senior leadership to ensure alignment of sales strategies with broader company objectives
• Support implementation of strategic and operational marketing initiatives

ABOUT YOU:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Finance, or related field required; MBA preferred
• 12+ years of progressive sales leadership experience in: Food & Health Sciences, Functional Ingredients / Nutraceuticals / Food & Beverage, Consumer Health or related B2B sectors.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing and developing sales teams
• Proven track record of increasing revenue through new business development and strategic account growth
• Experience working in complex, corporate, and business-focused environments
• Strong experience collaborating with senior leadership to align strategies and execution
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skill
• Strong personal skills needed to interact with all departments within company
• Excellent financial management skills
• Experience in working with senior management to align sales strategies and solutions
• Excellent negotiation skills, proven track record of successfully pitching for new business
• Proven track record of increasing revenue through generation of leads

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

TRAVEL:

As needed, estimated at >50%

Hawkins offers eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD/STD and more. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) match, Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP), paid time off, and paid holidays.

For more information on Hawkins benefits, visit: https://www.hawkinsinc.com/careers/benefits/

Ref. 2027-050

All applications must be received online. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Hawkins is a Drug Free workplace.