Riverside Natural Foods→
Sales Strategy & Planning Manager at Riverside… · Chicago
Skills
Job Description
Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.
We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.
So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.
You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.
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 / Retail environment
· 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
Please note this role as a new vacancy.
At Riverside, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation and job posting practices. The range above reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. Exact compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education, and training, as well as other organizational needs, while balancing internal equity.
What we expect:
- Values-led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life’s too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don’t enjoy the journey.
- Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast! – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we’re okay with that, as long as we’re staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.
- Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don’t be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn’t – like the plant, or the boardroom.
- Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress.
- Gratitude: As a growing business, we can’t always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we’re all in this together and we value you.
- Be a Riverside Brand Ambassador: Stay relentlessly close to our consumers and represent the brand in every interaction, decision, and deliverable. Bring the consumer voice into your work by protecting product quality, availability, and experience, acting early when standards slip, and delivering consistent value that earns trust, advocacy, and long-term brand love.
What We Offer:
- Values-led: We don’t cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit. There is no winning at all costs here. Every step you take must align with our values, no compromises.
- Courageous determination: As a family-run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren’t obvious or easy. You must be willing to try, ask and answer challenging questions, test and learn, turn over every stone, keep moving forward and help us find a way through. Resourcefulness and grit will be your constant companions at Riverside and will serve you well.
- Humility: We’re a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks. We know the products we offer are some of the healthiest and most sustainable, but we don’t brag about it, and know we have a steep path ahead. We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high-quality products. There isn’t one superstar at Riverside. We take turns leading the way as we climb to the summit.
- Continuous improvement: As a learn-as-we-go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch to make it better, more efficient, more sustainable, and more endearing to customers, consumers, employees, vendors, partners and the community. We own our mistakes and learn from them as we wind our way to the top.
Wait! There’s more!
- Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!
- RRSP matching or 401k matching for an empowered financial journey
- Eligibility to participate in Riverside's Profit Sharing Plan
- Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
- Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
- An open concept work environment that embodies our Values
How to Apply:
If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!
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.