VP Sales, Work Group

The Work Group at Wolverine Worldwide includes market-leading brands Wolverine Boots and Apparel, Cat Footwear, Merrell Work and Tactical, Bates, Harley Davidson Footwear, and Hytest. Across the Work Group there are 100+ year old businesses, global and domestic brands, as well as licensed and owned entities. Through building awesome products that blur the line between work and lifestyle, we tap into the collective power of all these brands to deliver our customers amazing stories and the trusted features they demand: comfort, durability, and style.
The Head of Sales (VP) – Work Group provides strategic sales leadership and general management for the Work Group's North American wholesale organization across our portfolio of brands. Reporting into the Group President, and as a key member of the Work Group leadership team, this role drives sustainable revenue growth, strengthens strategic customer partnerships, and identifies new opportunities for market expansion. As a catalyst for transformation and commercial growth, the Head of Sales builds organizational capabilities, develops future leaders, and advances best-in-class commercial practices across the portfolio. Working closely with brand, product, marketing, merchandising, operations, and finance leaders, this role aligns commercial priorities and drives enterprise-wide business outcomes.
Primary Duties:
Creates and executes sales and distribution strategies across the Work Group portfolio; develops specific growth plans by consumer territory, channel, brand, and customer to identify new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Lead the evolution of commercial capabilities, processes, and go-to-market approaches by championing innovation, embracing new technologies, and driving organizational change that positions the Work Group for future growth.
Build and lead a high-performing sales organization by defining structure and capabilities, developing leadership bench strength, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement through clear goals and performance measurement.
Own sales planning across the Work Group portfolio, leading annual and seasonal forecasting, target setting, and resource allocation to drive sustainable growth and profitability while maximizing marketplace opportunities.
Ensure compensation and incentive plans are competitive; establish performance metrics for sales team and aligned with brand growth plans.
Collaborates with all departments in the Brand to ensure the optimization of resources to support brand growth and priorities, including Marketing, Product Management, Merchandising, and Finance.
Partner with executive leadership to shape portfolio strategy, align enterprise priorities, and drive integrated business outcomes across brands, channels, and functions.
Provides ongoing and consistent feedback to brand, product, merchandising, and category partners on product performance, competitive positioning, customer needs, and brand perception at retail.
Maintains and builds key customer relationships, communicates sales and distribution strategies, marketing initiatives, product plans, and programs, and demonstrates a deep understanding of customers’ retail sales, margin, and turn requirements.
Performs duties consistent with the Company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.
Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager.
Behavioral Competencies:
Drives for results: Ability and desire to work at both the strategic and tactical levels with proven success at driving for measurable results.
Strong communicator: Serve as an influential leader and communicator, delivering clear, compelling recommendations that build alignment and drive action across customers, teams, and executive stakeholders.
Project management: Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritize work and meet multiple deadlines; detail orientated.
Customer centric: Know your customers and meet and exceed their expectations, every day.
Innovative: Innovative and intellectually curious thought leader who can constructively challenge conventional ways of thinking and introduce new ideas.
Effective and efficient: A strong and effective leader who can drive alignment and execution across a matrixed organization.
Leadership: Excellent interpersonal, advocacy and political skills; excellent reputation for integrity and good judgment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Minimum of 12+ years sales experience in consumer products, preferably in work industry (footwear, equipment, accessories).
Exceptional leadership skills with at least 3-5 years at the Vice President level and with the ability to inspire and set an all-encompassing sales vision.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing or equivalent work experience. MBA preferred.
A proven and savvy leader, with exceptional market knowledge. Sound understanding of the consumer, retail environment, and competitive marketplace.
An established understanding of leading with a customer-first and modern partnership-oriented mindset is a must
Proven experience building organizational capability and developing future leaders through coaching, succession planning, and talent development.
Strong strategic and financial acumen with the ability to translate market insights and data into actionable business strategies.
Strong sales and commercial leadership background with a variety of sales concepts, processes and experiences
Experience leading and collaborating with cross functional teams and influencing across WWW to drive global brand growth efforts
Knowledge of managing with and within budgetary responsibilities to deliver both top- and bottom-line targets.
Strong leader, communicator, analytical thinker, demonstrated experience building high performing teams and cross-functional relationships
Understanding of e-Commerce, its impact, and role in the future of the business
Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Power Point
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment. Frequent travel required.
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Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) is a global footwear and apparel company driven by a vision to Make. Every Day. Better. Founded in 1883, the Company builds and grows iconic brands including Merrell®, Saucony®, Wolverine®, Sweaty Betty®, Chaco®, Hush Puppies®,