The Key Account Manager will be responsible for hitting sales goals of the Independent Channel.  This will be achieved by working with the sales team in developing the business potential of the territory and driving our client’s brand awareness and penetration in the field.  The Key Account Manager will be critical in optimizing points of distribution.  This role will also be influential in facilitating communication and the execution of promotional opportunities between the field and corporate partners.  The opportunity for success and earning potential will only be limited by the incumbent.

Assignment: 4254
Title: Key Account Manager
Industry: Optical
Reports To: Owners
Location: Metropolitan Area

Our Client:

Our client is a privately owned, well established and growing manufacturer and distributor of optical frames, cases, and has a full service lab where they grind lenses.  Their superior customer service, attention to detail and focus on quality over the years has helped them to become a leader in the affordable eyewear industry.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works closely with management in achieving top line growth and financial targets through sales and brand strategies
• Set quarterly targets to reach sales and financial goals
• Maximize call cycle and log visits based on customer profile
• Prepare for consistent communication with the Sr. Brand Marketing Director and brand team on weekly calls and other strategy meetings in order to develop and align on corporate brand priorities, field strategy and commercial tactics
• Act as a Brand Ambassador in providing feedback from the covered region on product assortment, brand strategies, marketing materials and commercial programs
• Collaborate with sales counterparts in delivering broader synergy programs
• Responsible to cascade overall portfolio strategy, messaging and priorities
• Partner with management on brand priorities that will help close the quarterly gaps/maximize opportunities in order to align the commercial calendar and drive territory sales goals
• Provide weekly verbal/written recaps
• Support in coordinating market events
• Provide support and attend local trade and industry events
• Significant travel required within assigned region up to 80% of time (can be inclusive of overnights)

Position Requirements:

• Minimum 3+ year’s wholesale sales experience, specific to optical industry
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to quickly generate and initiate creative solutions to problems as they arise
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong PC skills, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Contact:

Richard Miller
Executive Recruiter
rmiller@brookechase.com
941-914-9172

Contact:

Lisa Baaklini
Recruiter
lbaaklini@brookechase.com
773-729-2240

In a confidential search for a truly strategic thinker with process and team building/development skills, our client is looking for someone who will develop strategic partnerships with vendors and implement systems and procedures that will sustain the projected growth of the company.  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys the challenge of hands-on leadership in a rapidly growing environment.

Assignment: 4252
Title: Director of Procurement
Industry: Flooring
Reports To: CFO
Location: Mid-Atlantic

Our Client:

Our client is a highly respected manufacturer providing a full line of innovative, top quality, highly engineered products and serving leading Home Center, OEM and Distributor customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Under new leadership, this company has tremendous growth potential and is undergoing a transformation to accommodate anticipated doubling of its annual volume.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and improve the procurement strategy and processes for raw material sourcing – wood, printed, vinyl, packaging and misc.
• Assess and build the procurement team for proactive, cross-trained and supportive excellence
• Review and optimize vendor relationships, creating strategic partnerships for quality, consistency and pricing, improving margins, ensuring no outages
• Manage vendors including the process of RFPs, selecting vendors, negotiating best possible terms, price, and lead times; strategic vetting, selection, support and collaboration on the negotiation of contracts
• Negotiate to drive “win-win” arrangements with suppliers, partners and vendors.  Lead negotiation to ensure all parties feel confident engaging in complex and critical negotiations designed to optimize results for all sides
• Develop and implement procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, local and company policies, rules and regulations
• Tactical execution of the end-to-end procurement process and supplier management activities
• Work cross-functionally with finance, operations, warehouse, maintenance, engineering, planning/scheduling and S&OP leadership to ensure maximum efficiency
• Monitor compliance and controls of buying to ensure accurate vendor master data and appropriate segregation of duties
• Identify and realize cost-saving and cost-reduction opportunities
• Establish and analyze supplier competitive analysis, performance metrics, research techniques, second sourcing for critical supplies and risk mitigation
• Leverage buying power while ensuring required service quality and supplier performance are maintained with a high degree of internal customer satisfaction

Position Requirements:

• 10+ years of progressive career experience in procurement and strategic sourcing
• Prior experience leading a procurement function for a rapidly growing company
• Deep analytical mindset, financial and problem-solving acumen
• In-depth knowledge of sourcing and procurement principles and best practices
• Ability to lead by influence rather than authority when necessary
• Ability to work effectively and cultivate strong relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners – strong cross-functional interaction
• Demonstrated ability to lead difficult conversations and collaborate, facilitate, and achieve consensus among key stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree required

Contact:

Rick Mohrman
Executive Recruiter
rmohrman@brookechase.com
941-914-9328

Contact:

Abigail Seymour
Recruiter
aseymour@brookechase.com
941-914-9505

In a newly created role, this leader and change agent will develop and implement operational systems, process and procedure in receiving, stocking, inventory, order pulling, packaging and shipping/logistics.  This is an opportunity for a team builder to determine future capacity requirements and put their mark on all warehouse and distribution operations, creating systems and processes that don’t currently exist.

Assignment: 4253
Title: Warehouse and Distribution Manager
Industry: Flooring
Reports To: COO
Location: Mid-Atlantic

Our Client:

Our client is a highly respected manufacturer providing a full line of innovative, top quality, highly engineered products and serving leading Home Center, OEM and Distributor customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Under new leadership, this company has tremendous growth potential and is undergoing a transformation to accommodate anticipated doubling of its annual volume.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee all warehouse and distribution operations, functions and personnel, including receiving, stocking, inventory, order pulling, packaging, and shipping and logistics
• Manage and create internal controls such as SOP’s and ensure all procedures are implemented, enforced and updated as necessary.
• Develop warehouse operations systems by determining product handling and storage, and shipping requirements.  Plan future capacity requirements and recommend improvement to procedure standards
• Monitor daily, weekly, monthly, annual productivity and metrics of workload and output of the warehouse to ensure that the department is successful in supporting the demands and requirements of the business
• Keep control inventory levels by daily physical cycle counts and semi-annual physical inventories
• Prepare reports and statistics on a daily, weekly and monthly basis and communicate with senior management regarding warehouse operations
• Enforce all company-wide policies and procedures, follow all labor laws, ensure OSHA, DOT and safety compliance is monitored and enforced
• Coordinate with and assist other departments as required

Position Requirements:

• 5+ years warehouse and distribution leadership
• Strong comprehensive knowledge of warehouse operation functions and inventory practices organizing, planning, and multi-tasking skills required
• Complete picture thinking – both strategic planning and implementation and hands-on involvement
• Warehouse Management System (WMS) knowledge – experience implementing WMS
• Continuous improvement track record and mindset
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to communicate policies and procedures to employees
• Strong team builder – ability to manage and supervise employees, including communication of policies and procedures
• Comprehensive working knowledge of all Microsoft Office Products including MS Word, MS Outlook and advanced proficiency in Excel
• Ability to operate forklift
• Knowledge of MS Dynamics a plus
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Contact:

Rick Mohrman
Executive Recruiter
rmohrman@brookechase.com
941-914-9328

Contact:

Abigail Seymour
Recruiter
aseymour@brookechase.com
941-914-9505

In a technical/training/educational engineering position for an organization with an excellent reputation, the Field Technician will drive and support sales through commercial and residential project specifications, with a primary focus on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firms, code officials, inspectors and labor associations to educate and promote the use of domestic cast iron soil pipe and fittings.

Assignment: 4249
Title: Regional Technical Representative
Industry: Plumbing
Location: Arizona, Southern California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah

Our Client:

Our client has been in business for 70 years, and was founded by leading manufacturers of Cast Iron Pipes, Valves and Fittings for residential and commercial plumbing systems and industrial applications.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships with MEP firms, code officials, inspectors and labor associations to educate and promote the use of domestic cast iron soil pipe and fittings in the assigned territory
• Educate members of the plumbing industry by increasing their product knowledge and promoting the use of cast iron pipes, valves and fittings

Position Requirements:

• Read Drawings
• Presentation Skills
• Written and verbal communication skills as well as Microsoft Applications
• Frequent travel within the territory
• Understanding of plumbing/piping systems
• Able to work independently
• Familiarly with ATSM standards and model plumbing and mechanical codes
• 4 Year Degree is a plus, but not required.  LEED AP or plumbing license is also a plus

Contact:

Richard Miller
Executive Recruiter
rmiller@brookechase.com
941-914-9172

Contact:

Abigail Seymour
Recruiter
aswymour@brookechase.com
941-914-9505

In a newly created role, this Regional Sales Manager will oversee and grow sales in a region with tremendous upside potential, calling on a dealer network and A&D specifiers for pull-through demand creation.  This is a market that has been underserved and is now a priority focus for the company and needs an entrepreneurial individual who can develop new business.

Assignment: 4248
Title: Regional Sales Manager
Industry: Hearth/Fireplace
Reports To: Vice President Sales and Marketing
Location: Texas

Our Client:

Our client is a highly respected manufacturer of luxury contemporary hearth/fireplace products with a vast product line, custom capability and strong growth potential.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, forecast and report on all regional sales activities
• Implement growth strategies to develop new dealer accounts
• Call on A&D specifiers to create demand and work with dealers to follow up on projects
• Attend trade shows as appropriate
• Coordinate with Customer Service, Inside Sales, Technical Support, Logistics

Position Requirements:

• Proven track record of sales growth
• Experience with high-end fashion product with some mechanical aspect
• Dealer channel experience
• Experience calling on A&D specifiers for pull-through demand creation
• Ability to travel
• An aggressive hunter – competitor who wants to win
• Creative problem solver, entrepreneurial, comfortable in a less structured environment
• An engaging personality – customer-focused relationship builder

Contact:

Rick Mohrman
Executive Recruiter
rmohrman@brookechase.com
941-914-9328

Contact:

Lisa Baaklini
Recruiter
lbaaklini@brookechase.com
773-729-2240

This position has the primary responsibility for identifying, analyzing, and selling blown film products and systems to dealers, through distribution and large national accounts.  Support Sales team to exceed sales growth targets while building confidence and providing application solutions.

Assignment: 4238
Title: National Sales Manager
Industry: Plastic Packaging
Reports To: Owners
Location: East Coast, ideally Carolina’s North

Our Client:

Our client is a privately owned, well established and growing full-service manufacturer and distributor of polyethylene film, liners, bags, etc., whose products are manufactured solely in the United States.  Their superior customer service, attention to detail and focus on quality over the years has helped them to become a leader in the packaging industry.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Grow sales through new business
• Establish new distributor accounts
• Develop new large account business with end users
• Develop the sales organization as needed

Position Requirements:

• The ideal candidate possesses a deep familiarity with custom manufacturing processes and operations within the polyethylene film, liners, and bags industry.  The ideal candidate is a leader and is comfortable in taking responsibility for overall sales.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years sales leadership experience
• Demonstrated planning skills balanced with excellent execution
• Established track record of sales growth
• Experience in plastic packaging sales
• Experience establishing new large end user accounts
• Experience establishing distributor pull-through business
• Market, competitor and territory knowledge
• Excellent analytical skills with high computer literacy
• Naturally inquisitive/wants to learn about and understand new things
• Excellent people leader with a coaching/mentoring style.  Capable of creating a company culture of success built on teamwork, devotion and enthusiasm

Contact:

Richard Miller
Executive Recruiter
rmiller@brookechase.com
941-914-9172

Contact:

Lisa Baaklini
Recruiter
lbaaklini@brookechase.com
773-729-2240

This is an amazing opportunity for engineering growth.  We design, and build, every product from the ground up.  The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will have the opportunity to lead the team to design, build and service HVAC and Refrigeration units from the bolts up.

Assignment: 4235
Title: Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Industry: HVAC/Industrial Refrigeration
Reports To: Vice President
Location: Texas

Our Client:

Our client is the premier manufacturer of refrigeration and cooling products for the commercial and industrial markets since 1991.  They have manufacturing facilities in both the USA and Malaysia.  They specialize in the manufacture of an extensive spectrum of custom chillers, air systems, and handling units, with sales representatives and authorized service organizations throughout the USA.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a minimum throughput in the first year.  Following year discuss plans for adding to the role each year
• Responsible for running the Industrial Cooling Division – would like to grow the division and, possibly, based on results take over 1/2 of Engineering for the Rental Division
• Effectively reduce the amount of products that are currently subcontracted
• Responsible for domestic sourcing
• Work with the sales team to develop product lines that can be effectively marketed and sold (less cherry picking)
• Develop a team of key individuals that can each support responsibilities in the manufacturing process
• Leadership and development of the Engineering staff
• Assist in developing policies, practices and procedures within the Engineering team
• Drive excellence and innovation in process
• Quality, continuous improvement, reliability and warranty cost reduction
• Capital equipment projects and budget
• Work effectively with peers on a cross-functional basis

Position Requirements:

• 5 years experience directing full Engineering team
• 5 years minimum HVAC and/or industrial refrigeration experience
• Heavy electrical engineering skills – works with controls, etc.
• Structural experience – sheet metal
• Has worked in general engineering doing custom work with AutoCAD and able to make changes quickly
• Custom or semi-custom experience
• Proven track record in areas of new technology adoption and product development
• Deep knowledge of one or more engineering disciplines
• Comfort with conceptual/strategic thinking and processes
• Engineering Degree – ME or EE preferred, PE is highly preferred

Contact:

Rich Miller
Executive Recruiter
rmiller@brookechase.com
941-914-9172

Contact:

Lisa Baaklini
Recruiter
lbaaklini@brookechase.com
773-729-2240

CEO with a Plan is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to acquire and grow a business to the point of successful exit. Whether a management buyout of your current business unit or the acquisition and build-out of another private company, you assume accountability to lead a business enterprise, tap unrealized potential and create significant growth.

Introduction:

Private Equity (PE) owned firms grew revenue twice as fast as all other types for the last 10 years according to a recent Pepperdine survey. Our PE Partners are constantly looking for their next growth company and in some cases actively pursue an “Executive First” approach to investment. Across the board, the most universally well received inquiry is what we call CEO with a Plan: an experienced executive who displays passion, vision and a proposal to create a growth enterprise.

Outcomes:

As Steven Covey advises, a CEO with a Plan must “Begin with the end in mind.” The goal is to maximize value creation within a defined period such as 5 to 7 years. Success rewards the CEO and leadership team through the increased equity valuation whenever there is an ownership change. There may also be the option to reinvest and continue to grow the enterprise towards yet another ownership change.

Industry:

Our broad range of partners means that any manufacturing, distribution, transportation, or services enterprise will be accommodated. Building materials, industrials, software, medical device, bio-tech, niche manufacturing, or any industry segment that will support an attractive growth strategy will be considered.

Location:

Determined by your investment thesis.

Accountabilities:

You will be expected to present an investment idea and facilitate its transformation into a successful investment strategy. When funded, your accountability to implement and achieve objectives can encompass:

• Creating a corporate vision, culture, goals and action plans.
• Leading the acquisition and integration of multiple businesses.
• Transitioning your business to an independent enterprise with its own unique culture.
• Assessing, acquiring, developing and inspiring the leadership team to implement your vision.
• Leveraging the board, external and internal resources to their fullest.
• Leading the business to meet or exceed defined milestones.
• Participating in a successful liquidity event.

Requires:

The successful CEO will have turned around, unlocked potential, created strong growth and otherwise lead a business to exceed expectations; ideally more than once. One must also develop an investment thesis to complete the package. For example, a plan to carve-out the business unit of a larger corporation that you currently lead. Or perhaps a strategy to consolidate a few smaller companies into a platform that you can then grow into a segment leading enterprise. Regardless of the plan, investors expect an in-depth knowledge of the target industry.

Dimensions:

You will be expected to demonstrate leadership dimensions such as proactivity, adaptability, high energy, integrity, interpersonal effectiveness, strategic perspective, and communications ability.

Compensation:

There will be an appropriate incentivized executive compensation package, equity participation and the satisfaction from leading your strategy to meet or exceed expectations. Most significant will be the equity pay out at the time of a successful ownership change.

Contact:

Murray Parker
Managing Director
mparker@brookechase.com
941-914-9146

Our Private Investment Client specifically partners with talented executives who are motivated to acquire their current business or a selected target company and take that enterprise to the next level.

If you, as an experienced president or business unit leader:

• Know that you could significantly improve performance for your current business if you had the freedom and accountability to pursue your vision
• Have identified a target company that you know could be grown dramatically
• Have already identified a fund source that just doesn’t feel like the right partner
  Then, perhaps we should talk.

Assignment: 3880
Title: Executive Partner to Lead a Management Buy-Out
Location: Americas

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Our client has implemented an “Executive First” approach to investment. Since leadership is the key to business success, they want to lock-in the best leader then fund that individual’s strategy to create a portfolio business with significant upside potential.
• The ideal executive partner will have successfully transformed and grown a business preferably more than once in the past. Key among their priorities should be a commitment to an attractive investment strategy in a market that they know sufficiently well to reduce risk and create a pathway for success amidst multiple obstacles.

This is clearly not for everyone. However, if your strategy involves a business in the $10 to $200 Million revenue range that is now or can readily become cash flow positive, then perhaps we should talk. This could be the investor you are looking for.

Contact:

Murray Parker
Managing Director
mparker@brookechase.com
941-914-9146