Vice President, Commercial Strategy
Charlotte, NC, US, 28277
Job Summary/Overview
The Vice President of Commercial Strategy will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing Columbus McKinnon’s strategic growth agenda, with a strong focus on commercial strategy and M&A integration. As a key member of the Integration Management Office (IMO), this leader will drive strategic initiatives that align business units, optimize commercial synergies, and support the successful integration of major acquisitions. This role reports to the SVP, Business Integration and Strategic Project Management and collaborates closely with executive leadership across Sales, Marketing, Finance, Product Technology, Operations and Corporate Development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of commercial strategy initiatives tied to corporate growth and acquisition integration.
- Serve as a strategic advisor within the IMO, focusing on aligning business units, customer segmentation, pricing, and go-to-market strategies.
- Identify risks and mitigation strategies related to commercial integration, including customer retention, channel disruption, and pricing conflicts.
- Partner with Corporate Development to evaluate acquisition targets, assess commercial fit, and support due diligence efforts.
- Drive post-merger integration planning and execution for commercial functions, including sales, marketing, and product strategy.
- Collaborate with finance and operations teams to model revenue synergies and cost-to-serve implications of integration decisions.
- Conduct competitive benchmarking and scenario planning to guide strategic decision-making during integration phases.
- Lead strategic assessments of customer segments, product lines, and geographic markets to inform integration priorities and commercial growth opportunities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and realize revenue synergies and market expansion opportunities.
- Develop strategic frameworks and business cases for growth initiatives, including new market entry, product portfolio optimization, and channel strategy.
- Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to inform strategic decisions.
- Develop and implement strategic KPIs to measure the success of commercial integration efforts and synergy realization.
- Present strategic recommendations and integration updates to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities
- Deep understanding of commercial strategy in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Strong grasp of M&A processes, especially integration planning and execution.
- Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills; ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and working within a complex, matrixed environment.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging senior executives.
- High level of business acumen and financial literacy.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in strategy, corporate development, or management consulting, with at least 5 years in a manufacturing or industrial company.
- Demonstrated experience in M&A integration, especially in commercial functions.
- Track record of leading strategic initiatives with measurable business impact.
- Experience working in or with an Integration Management Office (IMO) is highly desirable.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 40%).
Nearest Major Market: Charlotte