Rootstock VP of Sales

Written By Oakstone International

Background

Rootstock Software is a developer of cloud-based enterprise resource planning software providing solutions to manufacturers and distributors. The company's enterprise resource planning solution elevates operational performance and controls costs for mid-market to large manufacturers, distributors, and supply chains. It offers sales order management, purchase order management, production engineering, inventory control, material requirements planning, and other similar services that enable manufacturers, supply chains, and distributors to operate and grow their businesses efficiently.

  • Rootstock, an ERP SaaS provider, faced an urgent hiring need for a VP of Sales based in the US.

  • Two external recruiters were already working on the role, however they were struggling to have any success with the role.

  • Though Oakstone had previously placed sales professionals within Rootstock EMEA, the existing CRO was unfamiliar with our work at the executive level in the US.

  • Oakstone was recommended by an existing Rootstock VP based in the UK to speak to their CRO and Head of Sales Operations in the US.

  • Oakstone’s existing understanding of Rootstock and US hiring experience for other SaaS vendors made Oakstone a great recruitment partner fit for this role.

Requirements

The role demanded:

  • Deep ERP and manufacturing industry expertise.

  • A structured, process-driven leadership approach.

  • A balance between enterprise sales experience and adaptability to a smaller, growth-focused environment.

 

Our Approach & Solution

Despite being brought in late in the process and competing with other firms, we quickly delivered results by:

  • Leveraging our prior success with Rootstock to understand their needs.

  • Identifying top-tier candidates with direct ERP and manufacturing experience.

  • Reaching out to a well-known industry contact who recommended the successful candidates just as she became available.

  • Streamlining the process to complete the search within two weeks.

 

Challenges

  • Rootstock had previously struggled to find the right fit due to the complexity of their product and vertical.

  • Overcoming concerns about the role’s history, as it had been filled unsuccessfully before.

  • Convincing candidates to see the potential growth opportunity despite the company not yet scaling as expected.

Results

  • A shortlist of four candidates was submitted, with Mary Kelly progressing to the final round.

  • She was selected over multiple other finalists due to her perfect blend of expertise and leadership style.

  • The entire process was completed in record time, securing a crucial hire for Rootstock’s continued expansion.

 

Oakstone International

Oakstone International is a SaaS and Fintech specialist executive search firm.

https://www.oakstone.co.uk/
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