Director, National Sales – Specialty Channels

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

📋 Description

• Drive strategy and growth within Freshpet’s pet specialty channel business.

• Develop account and channel strategies to enhance revenue and distribution growth.

• Strengthen retail partnerships and convert data into actionable growth initiatives.

• Define customer priorities, growth drivers, and strategic opportunities.

• Create annual and quarterly strategic plans informed by category trends, shopper insights, and retailer dynamics.

• Lead joint business planning, aligning shared priorities, targets, and execution strategies.

• Cultivate relationships with decision-makers across national and regional specialty retailers.

• Influence customer strategies concerning category growth, assortment, and merchandising.

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

• Identify opportunities to expand distribution, optimize product assortment, and enhance in-store presence.

• Monitor performance, risks, and opportunities, adapting strategies as needed.

• Ensure the successful execution of new item launches and in-store programming.

• Utilize data and analytics to assess performance and guide decision-making.

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

• Work alongside marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations teams.

• Coordinate with distributor partners to ensure consistent execution and broaden reach.

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

• Track financial targets and balance growth opportunities with ROI discipline.

⛳️ Requirements

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

• Over 10 years of experience in large CPG; experience in natural or pet channels is strongly preferred.

• Proactive business development focus, with the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for profitable growth.

• High ownership mindset and the agility to make sound decisions and achieve results in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Proven track record in leading complex negotiations and fostering strategic customer partnerships that drive sustainable, profitable growth.

• Strong analytical and commercial acumen, capable of translating category, customer, and shopper insights into actionable growth strategies.

• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities, with the capacity to influence stakeholders across various levels and functions.

• Familiarity with Nielsen, Salesforce, or Power BI.

• Willingness to travel approximately 40% nationwide.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Visa sponsorship is not required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Basic and optional life insurance.

• Short- and long-term disability protection.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• 401(k) plan with company match.

• Paid parental leave.

• Pet insurance.

• Tuition assistance.

• Generous PTO plan.