VP Sales

BURN designs, manufactures, and distributes aspirational fuel-efficient cooking products that save lives and forests in the developing world.  

BURN designs, manufactures, and distributes aspirational fuel-efficient cooking products that save lives and forests in the developing world. BURN has revolutionized the global cookstove sector by proving the business case for selling high quality, locally manufactured, and unsubsidized cookstoves. In the last 18 months, Kenyan consumers have spent over US$1.8 million to purchase 70,000 'jikokoasTM'. These stoves have helped consumers save 272,000 tons of wood and over $8 million in reduced fuel costs.

We currently sell 5,000 to 6,000 stoves per month un-subsidized and are expanding across the region. Our goal is to double monthly sales by the end of the We are looking for an extraordinary individual who can ensure that we reach that target.

ABOUT YOU

You are a sales professional with 7-10 years of experience leading your team to meet or exceed sales goals, breaking successfully in to new markets, and consulting with upper management on overall sales and marketing strategy. You are enthusiastic to use your creativity and drive to 'sell for good' and feel comfortable working with customers in the field or with senior management. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

Position title: VP Sales

Reports to: CEO

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Suggested start date: October 1, negotiable

BURN is hiring its first VP Sales. This is a senior level position that will join the management team in taking BURN to the next level. The goals and job responsibilities are clearly outlined below; however, the ideal candidate will have a high level of comfort adapting to the challenges that come with this new role. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grow sales to 10,000 stoves per month by the end of 2015, ramping up to 20,000 stoves per month across East Africa by 2016

• Lead the expansion of sales to Uganda and Tanzania

• Manage existing distributer relationships / customer accounts

• Develop new sales channels

• Assist in forecasting

• Manage Sales Team of 35 people - 5 senior reps, 30 activators, and 2 merchandisers. Recruit, hire and fire as needed.

• Produce monthly reports to management team highlighting trends, marketing effectiveness, and opportunities for growth

• Consult with CEO and management team on overall sales strategy

• Consult with marketing team on strategy and execution

• Advise design team with respect to new product development

QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS 

• 7-10 years consumer product sales experience

• 7-10 years management experience 

• Significant East African sales experience

• Proven success leading sales teams to reach company goals

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• High level of comfort working directly with clients

• Enthusiasm and ability to creatively adapt to diverse sales environments

• Desire to 'sell for good'

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in relevant business field

• Fluent in English language 

• No Kenyan work permit required to apply 

Bonus if you have:

• Experience in the cookstove industry

• MBA

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.