Sales Strategy & Planning Manager

Riversidenaturalfoodsltd; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP matching or 401k matching

Employee-Led Resource Groups

Career development through Riverside University

Job summary

Riversidenaturalfoodsltd in Chicago seeks a Sales Strategy & Planning Manager to bridge communication between headquarters and field sales, focusing on channel marketing. The role involves analyzing sales data, supporting annual planning, and fostering collaboration across various departments.

Ideal candidates will possess 3-5 years of experience in CPG, solid understanding of trade management, and strong communication skills. Salary ranges from $140,000 to $150,000 with additional benefits including 401k matching and career development.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ related work experience, preferably in a CPG.
• Fundamental understanding of trade management and category management principles.

Responsibilities

• Support communication between headquarters and field sales.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Coordinate and manage retail tools for the sales team.

Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work independently

Problem analysis and decision making

Proficient in Microsoft Office

High adaptability

Education

Post-secondary education in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary/Objective:

The Sales Strategy & Planning Manager supports the communication linkage between headquarters and field sales. They will partner with the Director of Sales Planning & Strategy (DSPS) as well as brand marketing, trade marketing, operations, category management, finance, field sales and retail partners to understand needs and drive execution on channel marketing initiatives for the US Business.

The Sales Strategy & Planning Manager must have a solid understanding of each HQ cross‑functional role and how to directly work with them to support the field sales teams. They will partner with brand marketing, trade marketing, operations, category management, finance, field sales and retail partners to understand needs and drive alignment and execution on channel sales & marketing initiatives.

This role is in a fast‑paced, creative environment; it offers an opportunity to be part of building a rapidly growing business, while actively contributing towards strategy and execution. This role is on the US Commercial team, reporting directly to the Director, Sales Planning & Strategy, US.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates and upholds Riverside’s Core Values
• Assists with Annual Sales Planning Process for Field Sales
• Helps to support the Director of SPSS in development, communication, and execution of cross‑functional Annual Planning materials (Marketing, Innovation, Trade, Category Management, Operations, Finance)
• Analyzes data to identify trends and opportunities, with a particular focus on sales driven metrics such as distribution, shelving, merchandising & pricing.
• Works with HQ cross‑functional team and field sales to drive profitable growth on existing customers; scopes out and identifies opportunities with new customers
• Has solid understanding of trade and category management to assess risks and opportunities across US market
• Helps develop category objectives and priorities – develops programs / execution tactics to achieve the objectives and priorities of the category – monitors the results of the programs with post‑event recap
• Conducts weekly connect calls with all Tier 1 Customer teams and bi‑weekly calls with Tier 2’s.
• Coordinate and leads Monthly Sales Update share‑out to the US Sales Team and Leadership
• Provides cross‑functional team with sales execution expertise as part of the new item commercialization process
• Develop and maintains trackers to support key business initiatives for US Sales team – innovation, category review timing, display forecasting, special packs, etc.
• Owns maintenance of SharePoint “Life Preserver” Site including updating sell decks, spec sheets, product images, etc. in advance of innovation launches.
• Coordinate and manage Retail Tools for sales team (ie, IRCs, POS, corrugate display, etc.)
• Works closely with marketing and category management partners to ensure category stories and new item sell stories are created with a customer lens
• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Director of Sales Planning & Strategy.

Education & Qualifications:

• Post‑secondary education in a related field (or equivalent education and experience)
• 3‑5 years’ related work experience, preferably in a CPG
• Fundamental understanding of trade management and category management principles

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. A strong communicator who thrives in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High energy, ADAPTABLE, self‑starter, able to change priorities as situations change.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Independent problem solver with good judgement
• Strong ability to work under pressure to meet tight timelines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy.
• TEAM player with a positive attitude
• Excellent planning, organizing, multitasking and time management skills.
• Strong in problem analysis, decision making, and solution oriented.
• Proficient computer knowledge: Microsoft Office, Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc

Salary Range

$140,000 — $150,000 USD

Benefits

• RRSP matching or 401k matching
• Eligibility to participate in Riverside's Profit Sharing Plan
• Employee‑Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Career development through Riverside University program and Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Open concept work environment that embodies our Values

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Disclaimer

As part of our recruitment process, we may use technology‑assisted tools, including automated systems, to support the review and assessment of applications. These tools do not make final hiring decisions. All decisions related to screening, interviewing, and selection are made by our Talent Acquisition and hiring teams.