VP of Sales & Business Development

Milton Industries Inc • Chicago, IL

10d • Remote

About The Position

Milton Industries is seeking a Vice President of Sales & Business Development to lead and grow its sales organization across all channels. The role reports to the President/CEO and works closely with the Board and private equity partner, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP). The VP owns the commercial strategy intended to drive revenue, profitability, and market share.

The position leads sales and business development across industrial distribution/MRO, automotive aftermarket retail, mobile tool distribution, wholesale distributors and buying groups, hardware/mass retail, eCommerce, OEM, national accounts, and international markets. It also leads and develops national, regional, and channel sales managers, as well as inside sales and customer service, and collaborates with Product, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain. The role shapes the commercial component of the value-creation plan with the CEO, Board, and LLCP, supports acquisitions and new-market entry, and represents Milton at industry events. The position is remote in the Chicagoland/Midwest region and requires 40–50% travel.

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive sales experience, including 10+ years in sales leadership and 5+ years at director or executive level in manufacturing, industrial distribution, automotive aftermarket, pneumatics/fluid power, hand tools, or related industries.
• A record of profitable growth leading multi-channel sales organizations.
• Direct experience with national industrial distributors, auto aftermarket retailers, mobile tool networks, and two-step distribution and buying groups.
• eCommerce expertise, including Amazon 1P/3P, digital shelf, retail media, and MAP enforcement.
• Working knowledge of customer product data requirements, including PIES/ACES, EDI, and PIM.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Willingness to travel 40–50%.

Nice To Haves

• MBA preferred.
• Executive-level relationships in one or more of the stated channels strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and carry out the sales and business development plan across industrial distribution/MRO, automotive aftermarket retail, mobile tool distribution, wholesale distributors and buying groups, hardware/mass retail, eCommerce, OEM, national accounts, and international markets.
• Own executive relationships with key partners, including Grainger, Fastenal, MSC, AutoZone, O’Reilly, NAPA, Snap-on, Matco, and Amazon.
• Lead line reviews, joint business plans, and negotiations on pricing, rebates, co-op, and MAP (minimum advertised price).
• Set budgets, forecasts, targets, and KPIs, and ensure the team uses CRM effectively and bases account decisions on data.
• Lead and develop national, regional, and channel sales managers, as well as inside sales and customer service.
• Work with Product, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain on new products, forecasting, and customer service.
• Shape the commercial side of the value-creation plan with the CEO, Board, and LLCP, and support acquisitions and entry into new markets.
• Represent Milton at AAPEX/SEMA and other industry shows.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and annual performance bonus.
• Long-term equity incentive and the opportunity to co-invest alongside the private equity partner.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans.
• 401K.
• Life insurance, LTD, and STD.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive