Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Zumbiel•Hebron, KY

About The Position

The Vice President of Sales & Marketing is responsible for leading the company’s commercial strategy, accelerating revenue growth, and strengthening customer relationships across the beverage and food markets. This executive will oversee all sales, marketing, and business-development functions, ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term objectives and operational capabilities. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in the packaging industry, a strong record of selling into Fortune 100 companies, and the ability to navigate complex supply chains, procurement processes, and multi-plant sourcing strategies. This role requires strategic vision, exceptional leadership, and hands-on commercial management in a fast-moving, customer-centric environment. Technology luddites need not apply.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive commercial leadership in the packaging industry, preferably paperboard, or related packaging formats.
Demonstrated success managing and growing key accounts within Fortune 100 companies.
Strong understanding of paperboard packaging manufacturing processes (litho, digital, and flexo printing, die-cutting, gluing, sustainability trends, etc.).
Proven ability to lead commercial teams and manage multimillion-dollar customer portfolios.
Exceptional contract negotiation, communication, and executive-level presentation skills.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

Customer and Market Engagement Serve as the senior commercial face of the company to major customers, including Fortune 100 beverage and food companies.
Strengthen relationships with key accounts, ensuring exceptional customer service and proactive communication.
Lead contract negotiations, long-term supply agreements, and multi-site vendor-managed relationships.
Identify new business opportunities, emerging markets, and high-growth categories within the packaging sector.
Strategy and Innovation Partner with Operations, R&D, and Engineering to develop innovative packaging solutions, including structural design, graphics, sustainability, and value-engineering initiatives.
Guide marketing efforts focused on brand positioning, digital presence, customer messaging, and trade-show/industry-event strategy.
Analyze market trends, competitive intelligence, and customer insights to steer product and service differentiation.
Team Leadership and Development Recruit, develop, and retain top commercial talent with strong industry backgrounds.
Implement performance management, incentive plans, and sales-training initiatives.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer obsession.
Financial and Operational Collaboration Develop accurate sales forecasts, pricing strategies, and commercial budgets.
Work closely with the Executive Team to ensure operational readiness for new product launches, volume ramps, and large-scale customer transitions.
Support capital-investment decisions with customer-driven business cases and ROI models.