VP Sales, Work Group

Wolverine Worldwide•Rockford, MI

21d

About The Position

The VP Sales – Work Group provides strategic sales leadership and general management for Wolverine Worldwide’s North American wholesale organization across its portfolio of work brands. Reporting to the Group President and serving on the Work Group leadership team, the role drives sustainable revenue growth, strengthens strategic customer partnerships, and identifies opportunities for market expansion. The VP Sales builds organizational capabilities, develops future leaders, and advances commercial practices across the portfolio. The role works closely with brand, product, marketing, merchandising, operations, and finance leaders to align commercial priorities and drive enterprise-wide outcomes. The Work Group includes Wolverine Boots and Apparel, Cat Footwear, Merrell Work and Tactical, Bates, Harley Davidson Footwear, and Hytest. Its portfolio encompasses established, global and domestic, licensed and owned businesses, with products that combine work and lifestyle features such as comfort, durability, and style. The role is based in a normal office environment and requires frequent travel.

Requirements

At least 12 years of sales experience in consumer products, preferably in the work industry, including footwear, equipment, or accessories.
Exceptional leadership skills and at least 3–5 years at the Vice President level, with the ability to inspire and establish an overarching sales vision.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or equivalent work experience.
Savvy leadership and exceptional market knowledge, including a sound understanding of consumers, the retail environment, and the competitive marketplace.
Customer-first, modern, partnership-oriented mindset.
Experience building organizational capability and developing future leaders through coaching, succession planning, and talent development.
Strong strategic and financial acumen, including the ability to turn market insights and data into actionable business strategies.
Strong sales and commercial leadership background, with experience across a variety of sales concepts and processes.
Experience leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams and influencing across Wolverine Worldwide to drive global brand growth.
Knowledge of managing budgets and delivering both top- and bottom-line targets.
Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, with demonstrated experience building high-performing teams and cross-functional relationships.
Understanding of e-commerce, its impact, and its role in the future of the business.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

MBA.

Responsibilities

Create and execute sales and distribution strategies across the Work Group portfolio, including growth plans by consumer territory, channel, brand, and customer.
Evolve commercial capabilities, processes, and go-to-market approaches by championing innovation, adopting new technologies, and driving organizational change.
Build and lead a high-performing sales organization by defining its structure and capabilities, developing leadership bench strength, and fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Own sales planning across the portfolio, including annual and seasonal forecasting, target setting, and resource allocation to support sustainable growth and profitability.
Ensure compensation and incentive plans are competitive and establish sales-team performance metrics aligned with brand growth plans.
Collaborate with brand departments, including Marketing, Product Management, Merchandising, and Finance, to optimize resources in support of brand growth and priorities.
Partner with executive leadership to shape portfolio strategy, align enterprise priorities, and drive integrated outcomes across brands, channels, and functions.
Provide ongoing feedback to brand, product, merchandising, and category partners on product performance, competitive positioning, customer needs, and brand perception at retail.
Maintain and build key customer relationships and communicate sales and distribution strategies, marketing initiatives, product plans, and programs.
Demonstrate understanding of customers’ retail sales, margin, and inventory-turn requirements.
Perform duties consistent with the Company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.
Perform other duties as required or assigned by the manager.