Vice President of Sales and Marketing

American Peat Technology (APT)

is seeking a

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

to manage and grow its sales and sales capacity while leading the identification and pursuit of new business growth opportunities to expand APT’s presence across all of its in-scope markets. Our ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, disciplined, and creative Sales and Marketing Executive who can lead a Sales and Marketing team while prioritizing, prospecting for, and closing new revenue opportunities for APT while helping to prioritize the work of APT’s R&D department to develop new products and services for target industries. The role will primarily support APT’s agronomy business (row crops, turf, and horticulture) but will also be called on to support, and even lead, its water treatment, mineral, and consumer product businesses.

When not on the road, the schedule for this position is generally Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Other days and hours are occasionally required. The role will primarily office from APT’s Main Rossburg plant in Spencer Township, MN or Headwater Technologies location in Eden Prairie, MN, depending on the candidate’s preference, but APT supports as-needed hybrid work to promote employee work-life balance.

This role will report to the Chief Executive Officer and immediately become a member of the Senior Leadership Team and participate in regular senior management-level meetings. This role will initially primarily focus on sales capacity development and new market customer prospecting but may earn the opportunity to expand direct reporting scope to include Customer Service after demonstrating success in Sales and Marketing.

APT offers unlimited PTO, a medical and dental plan, matching 401K and charitable giving plans, and paid volunteer opportunities.

Position Requirements -

·        

4-year college degree or equivalent work experience

in the field of Business, Sales, Marketing, Economics, or similar field. A track record of at least 7 years success in Ag Sales or related scientific field preferred.

·        

Proven track record

of achieving sales targets and driving business growth. Strategic Sales and Marketing planning experience preferred.

·        

Strong technical skills

and proficiency in use of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; proficiency in customer relationship management software required.

·        

The preferred candidate would be willing to work onsite

at Rossburg and Aitkin plant locations and off-site work meeting locations as requested. Travel will be required (up to 80% per month, 40% on average).

·        

Demonstrated success in leading

other professionals preferred; both direct reports and non-reporting colleagues to grow as persons and professionals.

·        

Ability to pivot on short notice

when redirected. The preferred candidate will thrive in a varied and ever- changing environment and be able to self-direct with a minimum of supervision.

·        

Demonstrated ability to work with and communicate

with individuals at all levels and functions, including C-suite executives, internal and external to the organization.

·        

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects

and deadlines, to coordinate a set of diverse assignments and remain flexible and composed.

·        

Excellent anticipatory and organizational skills.

·        

Willingness and aptitude to do manual labor

such as mechanical work, fabrication, mixing of raw materials and assembling equipment should the need arise. Comfort in a manufacturing plant setting and willingness to “roll up your sleeves” and work across all aspects of the business.

·        

Ability to present

insights, value propositions, and action recommendations to both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities -

·        

Strategic Planning:

Develop and execute comprehensive business growth strategies to achieve assigned sales targets and expand customer base.

·        

Market Research:

Conduct market research to identify new opportunities for sales and product development and stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities.

·        

Client Relationships:

Build and maintain strong, long- lasting relationships with clients by understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions that the APT family of companies can deliver.

·        

Sales and Marketing Leadership:

Plan for, hire/ fire, lead, motivate, and develop a “sales and marketing team of the future” to ensure high performance and achievement of sales goals. Collaborate with R&D, and Operations to improve and demonstrate APT value proposition.

·        

Contract Negotiation:

In partnership with the Executive Team and General Counsel, negotiate contracts and close agreements to maximize profits and ensure customer satisfaction.

·        

Collaboration:

Work closely with the marketing team to develop and implement targeted sales strategies. Collaborate with colleagues across the family of businesses to accomplish APT’s mission and vision while upholding its core values.

·         Reporting:

Provide accurate sales forecasts and regular reports to the management team. Build out and maintain APT’s customer relationship management system.

·        

Process Documentation:

Lead documentation of updated and new sales and marketing processes.

·        

Industry Representation:

Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to promote the brand and network with potential clients.

·      

Performance Monitoring:

Monitor performance metrics and make necessary adjustments to strategies to ensure continuous improvement.

·        

People Leadership:

Steward the personal and professional development of any assigned direct reports and colleagues.

·        

Continuous Improvement:

As requested, support the implementation of process improvement across the APT family of companies. Work closely with operations to identify major inefficiencies and make recommendations for mitigation.

·        

New Product Go-to-Market & Brand Expansion:

Lead the development and execution of go-to-market strategies for new products and services as APT expands beyond its core offerings. Partner with R&D, product development, and leadership to define target markets, craft value propositions, shape launch plans and ensure seamless integration of new product lines into APT’s overall marketing strategy. Oversee brand positioning and messaging to support diversification and accelerate adoption in emerging markets.

·        

Other:

Support other company tasks and responsibilities as needed.