Director, National Sales – Speciality Channels

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New Jersey.

📋 Description

• Lead the strategy and expansion of Freshpet’s pet specialty channel business.

• Create account and channel strategies.

• Propel revenue and distribution growth.

• Enhance retail partnerships.

• Convert data into actionable strategies for category growth.

• Identify customer priorities, growth levers, and strategic focus areas.

• Develop initiatives that promote the Freshpet brand and fresh pet food category.

• Formulate annual and quarterly strategic plans.

• Drive joint business planning efforts with customers.

• Nurture relationships with decision-makers in specialty retail.

• Provide guidance to customers on category growth, product assortment, and merchandising.

• Manage revenue, distribution, and ACV performance for assigned accounts.

• Broaden distribution, refine assortment, and enhance in-store visibility.

• Track performance, assess risks and opportunities, and adapt strategies accordingly.

• Ensure successful execution of new product launches and in-store initiatives.

• Utilize data and analytics for performance assessment and strategic decision-making.

• Collaborate with internal teams for forecasting, planning, and performance monitoring.

• Work with marketing, supply chain, finance, operations, and distributor partners.

• Assist in account-level forecasts, trade planning, and investment strategies.

• Oversee financial goals while balancing growth opportunities with ROI considerations.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.

• Over 10 years of experience in large CPG, with a strong preference for natural or pet channel experience.

• Proactive approach to business development, with the capability to uncover and convert new opportunities into profitable growth.

• Strong sense of ownership and agility to make informed decisions in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations and cultivate strategic customer partnerships.

• Excellent analytical skills and commercial insight.

• Capacity to transform category, customer, and shopper insights into actionable growth strategies.

• Outstanding communication and storytelling abilities.

• Skill in influencing stakeholders across various levels and functions.

• Experience with Nielsen, Salesforce, or Power BI is preferred.

• Willingness to travel approximately 40% nationwide.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Visa sponsorship is not available.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Basic and optional life insurance.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Paid parental leave.

• Pet insurance.

• Tuition assistance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) plan.