Vice President, Commercial Business - ESL/Aseptic

Have full leadership responsibility for a business unit, develop the strategic plans, and execute functional strategy. Provide leadership and direction through multiple functions and teams of group and senior leaders. Is accountable for the performance and results of business unit, including the financial performance and managing the profit and loss of the business unit, both the revenue and cost elements of a business. Is accountable for execution of the commercial selling agenda for a broad geographical area comprised of multiple markets and diverse portfolio of products. Is accountable for ensuring cross-functional collaboration is active and effective, and decisions are centered on achieving topline growth and margin targets for DFA.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership

• Apply in-depth knowledge of how the business unit integrates with other parts of the division and Cooperative and how the business unit differentiates itself from competitors to create competitive advantage
• Influence and negotiate, internally with other senior leaders and externally, with great latitude on outcomes
• Inspire and empower employees, analyze the people needs of the selling and execution team, and drive accountability with local business leaders to effectively recruit, hire, develop, coach, and mentor talent
• Establish collaborative relationships across the business and with external organization
• Partner with support functions (general managers and plant managers that have the day-to-day operations of the business responsibility including manufacturing, distribution, logistics, finance) to align and execute identified strategies and foster teamwork and continuous improvement within all areas
• Provide oversight and guidance on the cross-functional process for the leadership team
• Effectively model and lead change initiatives throughout the business including cascade of initiatives or the proactive development of local change activities

Strategy Development and Performance

• Develop and execute functional business strategy, including strategic business planning, annual operating plan, and the sales and marketing functions
• Develop, implement, and refine the strategic plan for the continued profitable development of the business unit, focusing on revenue growth and margin targets through volume, product mix, pricing, and new products
• Incorporate product line extensions, new business opportunities, capital investments in the facilities, and potential acquisitions
• Oversee the development and execution of selling and pricing plans for sales, ensuring alignment with strategic and key account selling and pricing plans
• Develop, maintain, and build enduring customer relationships with strategic and key accounts
• Prepare and deliver effective customer presentations, as necessary, to support key business initiatives and ensure customer alignment

Financial Performance

• Lead and manage the demand/supply planning to drive a highly efficient/reliable supply chain. Develop and maintain operational plan (0-13 weeks), tactical plan (3-24 months), and strategic plan (2-5 years)
  • Generate monthly forecast analysis in collaboration with business teams. Incorporate consensus outcomes into actionable plans. Develop accurate forecasts and ensure achievement of forecast performance standards
  • Develop short- and long-term production and capacity plans for finished goods balanced with milk supply projections, financial objectives, and business requirements
  • Plan and manage inventories for portfolio to achieve fill rate and improve operational efficiencies and targeted working capital values
  • Develop, maintain, and publish alternative plans and contingency scenarios as required
• Manage the development and execution of the business plan and meet or exceed business KPIs and net income objectives through effective leadership of others
• Ensure in-depth knowledge of the business; is accountable for understanding customers, competitors, markets, supply/demand, costs, pricing, etc., to manage P&L and develop/execute the strategic plan
• Develop annual budgets and proactively direct the financial performance of the overall business to achieve strategic, operational, and financial objectives
• Drive profit improvements through increases in gross margin attainment
• Align with key functional streams to agree on initiatives and metrics to drive financial performance and execution of the strategy. Cascade business strategies within the cross-functional teams

The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

• Undergraduate degree in business, business management, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 15 or more years progressive related experience that includes demonstrated track record of success with business development, customer engagement, and people development, P&L responsibility experience
• 6+ years of management experience that involves leading senior management and a significant and/or multiple areas
• Experience successfully managing a P&L
• Experience with Extended Shelf Life and Aseptic production
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment
• Knowledge of commercial business, marketplace, and consumer
• Strong executive presence and the ability to quickly gain the confidence of colleagues, enhanced by a strong sense of team and outstanding people skills
• Strategic thinking with the ability to manage multiple priorities and execute tactically
• Self-motivated, able to work independently focusing on key priorities while understanding the broader overall business activities and needs
• Strong interpersonal skills, including exceptional communication and listening skills, with the capacity to articulate positions and provide direction
• Excellent judgment, critical thought, and the ability to make decisions and advise demonstrating an understanding of the risks of each situation
• Able to develop and leverage the resources of the management team
• Able to inspire others to meet goals and commitments
• Able to demonstrate leadership qualities and gain recognition as a leader (as Board and senior management leader)
• Able to thrive in a high energy, growth-oriented and competitive environment
• Must be able to read, write and speak English
• Able to travel 25-30% of the time

An Equal Opportunity Employer