Senior Vice President, Natural Specialty

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

📋 Description

• Oversee the Natural Specialty sales division with a focus on overall business development, client expansion, team effectiveness, and profitability.

• Formulate and implement strategic growth initiatives that enhance current client partnerships, pinpoint untapped opportunities, and establish new relationships with manufacturers.

• Cultivate and sustain robust executive-level connections with key customers, clients, retailers, and internal stakeholders to advance business goals and long-term growth.

• Set priorities for revenue, operating income, and expense management; track performance monthly to ensure budget targets and financial objectives are met.

• Enhance retail coverage, communication, and execution strategies across grocery, natural, specialty, and related channels.

• Lead, mentor, and develop directors, regional sales managers, and wider team members to bolster performance, engagement, and succession planning.

• Build a strong talent pipeline by identifying, mentoring, and preparing high-potential associates for future leadership roles.

• Advocate for Acosta values by establishing clear expectations for leadership, collaboration, associate development, accountability, and excellence in client service.

• Collaborate with internal training resources to create onboarding, group training, and skill-building programs that align with associate success and business needs.

• Prepare and present business reviews, market opportunity evaluations, and strategic proposals that facilitate client growth and new business development.

• Negotiate and finalize business opportunities, contracts, and client agreements that align with company objectives and profitability goals.

• Ensure client objectives and expectations are met or surpassed through disciplined execution, proactive communication, and ongoing improvement.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; a degree in business, marketing, sales, management, or a related field is preferred.

• Over 10 years of progressive experience in sales, marketing, business development, client leadership, or a related industry.

• Proven track record of leading sales teams, cultivating leaders, managing performance, and establishing succession plans.

• Demonstrated experience in developing growth strategies, enhancing client relationships, and closing complex business deals.

• Strong negotiation skills, including contract discussions, closing techniques, and engaging with executive-level clients.

• Experience in the Natural Food Industry for at least 3 years, including management at Whole Foods Market HQ for over 3 years.

• Capable of effectively managing client relationships with major CPGs and entrepreneurial firms.

• Familiar with Whole Foods Market's stringent ingredient standards and has collaborated with companies in understanding how to engage with Whole Foods Market.

• Possesses executive presence with the ability to influence, present, and communicate effectively with senior leaders, clients, customers, and cross-functional partners.

• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and financial discipline, with the capability to convert market opportunities into measurable growth strategies.

• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and talent development abilities with a commitment to creating high-performing, engaged teams.

• Proficient in prioritizing effectively, managing multiple initiatives, and delivering results in a dynamic, matrixed environment.

• Strong collaborative skills with the capacity to work across various reporting lines, business units, and functional teams.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation capabilities.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, web-based tools, and business systems; able to leverage data and reporting to inform decisions.

🏝️ Benefits

• Ability and willingness to travel as business needs arise.