Reports to: Founder & Owner(s)
Company Size: 26 FTE Employees
Website: www.pulsarproducts.com
About Pulsar:
Pulsar is a privately held, lower middle-market company with over 27 years of profitable operations. We design and deliver innovative, high-quality stationery and giftable, impulse, and promotional products that make life more fun. From planners and journals to stickers, souvenirs, and photo essentials, our trend-forward, custom-designed products are found in retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Kohls, cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, and entertainment venues around the world.
We are a global organization with our headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, an office in Guangzhou, China, and salespeople in several U.S. states. We are experts in importing and specialize in end-to-end product solutions—from design to delivery—helping businesses bring trendy, profitable, and retail-ready products to market quickly and efficiently.
At Pulsar, our Purpose is to inspire creativity and joy with products that spark happiness, connect people, and brighten everyday moments. We embrace a We > Me philosophy, fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, creativity, and accountability. Our eclectic team of business minds and creative souls value curiosity, adaptability, and integrity—working together to exceed expectations and make a meaningful impact in a dynamic world.
Position Summary:
Pulsar Products is seeking a strategic, operationally minded, and hands-on President to lead the organization into its next phase of growth. The ideal candidate is a humble, yet confident and strong leader with deep experience in CPG—ideally with large retailers—and a proven ability to scale a business while rolling up their sleeves to do the work. They should bring a balance of small business hustle and corporate-level strategy, with a willingness to lead from the front.
This role requires a hands-on operator who can drive both top-line growth and internal alignment, make quick and fair decisions, and bring people together across functions, geographies, and perspectives. They must also have strong financial and analytical skills, the ability to lead across departments, and be comfortable managing people, process, and change—while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and fun.
Key Responsibilities:
- A core focus of the role is revenue growth through two primary sales channels: cruise & entertainment and retail. The President will lead sales strategy, manage key customer relationships, set pricing strategies, and guide business development efforts. In addition, the President will oversee the design and development team, ensuring a continuous pipeline of trend-right, commercially viable products that align with brand identity and customer expectations.
- The President will also lead the product management function, overseeing the full product lifecycle, including SKU rationalization, portfolio planning, and alignment with customer needs and margin targets. Operationally, this role will be accountable for project management, capacity planning, and internal process development to support scalability and cross-functional alignment.
- Oversight of global sourcing and logistics is essential, with a focus on managing overseas manufacturing partnerships—primarily in China, Vietnam, and other regions—inventory planning, cost control, and timely delivery.
- The President will also be responsible for all financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, working closely with internal finance staff to ensure fiscal discipline and data-driven decision-making. A comprehensive understanding of financial principles—including P&L, cash flow, and balance sheet—is essential, along with experience using QuickBooks in a small-business environment. While the President does not need to be an accountant, they must be confident running and interpreting the financials of the organization.
- Additionally, the President will lead talent development and culture-building efforts, ensuring strong people practices, a high-performing team, and an inclusive, values-driven workplace. Human Resources responsibilities will be shared in partnership with the Founder and Owner, who plays an active role in supporting the team and organizational culture. The role also includes managing a network of consultants and strategic partners who support legal, creative, operational, and business development functions.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field (MBA preferred)
- 7+ years of senior leadership or general management experience in consumer products with increasing levels of responsibility
- Experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, ideally with experience selling into large retailers
- Demonstrated success growing revenue/scaling a business and leading in both small business and corporate environments
- Experience managing financials in a small business or business unit environment, with a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, including P&L, cash flow, and balance sheets; a working knowledge of QuickBooks would be helpful
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage operations across global time zones and locations
- Experience in retail, wholesale businesses, managing inventory, and e-commerce platforms
- Expertise in importing and supply chain management, especially with partners in Asia
- Comfort working with creative teams and managing development timelines
- Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and financial analysis skills
- Excellent communication and organizational development capabilities
- Technically sound with comfort across the Microsoft Office Suite of products and the ability to pick up new systems quickly
Preferred Industry Background:
- Giftables, novelty items, stationery, promotional products, or adjacent categories
- Experience working with cruise lines, entertainment properties, and retail partners
Skills, Attributes & Character Traits:
- Gritty, resourceful, and hands-on—willing to do the work and lead by example
- High EQ with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Collaborative and humble with no ego; team-first mentality
- Decisive and organized with a high sense of urgency
- Transparent, fair, and accountable; open to feedback and continuous learning and not afraid to admit mistakes, take ownership, and grow from them
- Approachable, honest, and kind—able to motivate and develop others
- Fun, engaging, and enjoys being part of a close-knit team
- Comfortable with a casual work environment and entrepreneurial culture
- Strong presence and personality—capable of holding the room without being overly domineering
- Skilled at managing up and partnering with an involved founder/owner
Benefits:
- Paid holidays and generous paid time off (PTO).
- Simple IRA plan with company matching.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) for eligible expenses.
- Flexible in-office and work-from-home hybrid schedule.
- A family-owned company with an established entrepreneurial culture.
- Convenient location in Downtown Cleveland (Tyler Village) with free parking.
- Cleveland entertainment budget to enhance work-life balance.
Why You Will Enjoy Working at Pulsar:
- We prioritize a healthy work-life-family balance.
- You'll be part of a team with great co-workers and a positive work environment.
- Experience a cool company culture that encourages individuality.
- Collaborate in a modern and collaborative workspace that fosters creativity and innovation.
- We provide a safe space for you to be your best, authentic self.
Compensation: This position offers a competitive compensation package, with pay commensurate with experience.