Steve Jacobson
Vice President, Product Development and Global Sourcing
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Professional Overview
Steve Jacobson is an accomplished retail executive with over 20 years of experience in product development, global sourcing, and private label strategy. As the Vice President of Product Development and Global Sourcing at Tractor Supply Company, he oversees the company's product innovation initiatives and worldwide sourcing operations, driving growth and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Vice President of Product Development and Global Sourcing at Tractor Supply Company, Steve is responsible for leading the company's product development efforts and managing its global supply chain. He collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to identify market trends, develop new product lines, and optimize sourcing strategies to meet customer demand.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Steve served as the Senior Vice President of Private Label and Merchandise Strategy at Family Dollar, where he successfully launched several private-label brands and streamlined the company's merchandise assortment. He also founded Peritus Sourcing, a boutique consulting firm specializing in global sourcing and supply chain optimization.
Earlier in his career, Steve held senior leadership positions at Dollar General, where he oversaw global sourcing operations, and Kmart, where he managed various merchandising categories. He also served as the CEO of Outdoor Living Plus, a specialty retailer focused on outdoor living products.
Academic Background
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a concentration in Marketing and Supply Chain Management.
Areas of Expertise
- Product development and innovation
- Global sourcing and supply chain optimization
- Private label strategy and brand development
- Retail merchandising and assortment planning
- Leadership and cross-functional collaboration
Professional Impact
During his tenure at Family Dollar, Steve played a key role in the successful launch of several private-label brands, which contributed to a significant increase in the company's gross margins. At Dollar General, he led the transformation of the global sourcing operations, resulting in improved supplier relationships, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in product development, global sourcing, and private label strategy, Steve Jacobson is a valuable asset to Tractor Supply Company. His strategic vision, operational expertise, and collaborative leadership style position him as a driving force in the company's continued growth and success.
