Job Title: Vice President, Sales and Market Development
Location: San Leandro, California (may work remotely or on-site)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
About Sutton International
Sutton International is a small, well-established manufacturing company that has proudly served the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard for over fifty years. We have built a strong reputation for delivering highly cost-effective, reliable, quality products tailored to the needs of military personnel.
As we expand our offerings for recruits and active service members, we are reinforcing our commitment to the Marine Corps and introducing new products for the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Additional markets and sales channels are under consideration.
We are looking for a results-driven Vice President, Sales and Market Development to lead all sales efforts, strengthen relationships with customers, identify market and channel needs, and explore new product opportunities.
This role offers a clear trajectory for high-performing candidates, with the potential to grow into more senior sales and product development roles and/or serve as President as Sutton International continues to expand.
Position Overview
The Vice President, Sales and Market Development will play a critical role in expanding Sutton International’s reach, collaborating in the design of new products, driving revenue growth, and managing sales relationships. This role involves direct sales management and collaboration with primary distribution and sales partners.
A successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and proven execution skills.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Leadership:
- Manage direct sales efforts, building strong relationships with current and new customers.
- Work closely with distribution partners to optimize revenue and margins through existing and new distribution channels.
- Develop and implement sales strategies aligned with company growth goals.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with buyers, store managers and all key decision-makers within the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy, and other customers.
- Collaborate with the executive team in the development of revenue goals
- Drive revenue growth in a dynamic, challenging environment.
- Effectively coordinate sales fulfillment and customer service with operations.
Sales Forecasting & Reporting:
- Develop and maintain accurate sales forecasts to support company planning and purchasing.
- Analyze market trends, sales data, and competitive intelligence to provide insights and recommendations.
- Track key performance metrics and report regularly to the executive team.
Market Development & Business Strategy:
- Work with the executive team to develop effective business strategy
- Identify and evaluate new market opportunities
- Lead implementation of Sales Based Trading (SBT) and other emerging retail initiatives.
Product Research, Design, and Development:
- Lead market research to identify strategic opportunities.
- Collaborate in product design, customer testing, and specification.
- Lead product pricing and introduction.
Marketing & Brand Development:
- Enhance brand visibility in military and other target sectors.
- Lead marketing initiatives including trade show participation.
What We’re Looking For
- An entrepreneurial mindset with the drive to build and scale a business.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities with a willingness to take initiative, drive growth, and take on increasing responsibility over time.
- Proven experience and results in sales and business development—preferably in defense, manufacturing, or industrial sectors.
- Excellent relationship management skills, with experience managing both direct customer accounts and distribution partnerships.
- Strong analytical and forecasting skills.
- Willingness to travel regularly to key customer sites across the country.
- A solid understanding of financial dynamics and competitive issues in retail channels.
- Shared values of teamwork and responsive, high-quality customer service.
- Alignment with company mission: “To serve those who serve.”
- Previous military service valued.
- A commitment to integrity and transparency.
- MBA preferred (or equivalent experience).
- Capacity to co-lead product development.
- Demonstrated capacity to overcome challenges.
- Proven record in sales, account management, and customer service
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.
- Opportunity for career growth and leadership development.
- Share a commitment to discover, lead, achieve, and grow.
- Alignment with our mission – to serve those who serve.
Total annual compensation includes salary, bonus, and pension which will be based on revenue achievement, business development, and other performance objectives. Total annual compensation for this leadership role is targeted between $150,000 and $250,000.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your successful experience in sales, marketing, product development, and business growth by clicking “Apply Now” and following the instructions to email Jeffrey Davis, Chairman, Sutton International.
