About Quay Naturals
Quay Naturals is redefining what clean eating looks like in your pantry. We craft premium gluten‑free flours, baking mixes, grains, seeds, nuts, and everyday essentials—all made with ingredients you can actually pronounce. No fillers, no compromises, just real food that fuels how people want to eat today.
We’ve built a loyal following direct‑to‑consumer, and now we’re ready for our next chapter: bringing Quay Naturals to retail shelves across the country. With KeHe distribution secured, we’re positioned to become a staple in natural food stores from the Bay Area to beyond.
This is where you come in.
The Opportunity We’re looking for a driven, entrepreneurial sales leader to own our retail expansion from day one. This isn’t a “maintain existing accounts” role – you’ll be building our retail presence from the ground up.
What makes this special:
You’re the first: Be our inaugural sales hire and shape how we grow
Real ownership: Your strategy, your accounts, your wins
Momentum on your side: KeHe distribution is live – you’re activating infrastructure, not building from scratch
Room to grow: Prove yourself in Year 1, and you could be leading a team by Year 2
Equity potential: Bring relationships that convert? We’ll make you a stakeholder, not just an employee
Primary Responsibilities Retail Account Acquisition (70%): Activate KeHe distribution relationships to secure initial regional retail accounts
Identify and pursue target accounts: regional chains, natural food stores, specialty grocers, and independent retailers (initial focus: 25‑60 store chains or 100‑200+ doors)
Conduct sales calls, buyer meetings, and presentations independently
Negotiate terms, pricing, slotting fees, and promotional calendars
Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to close to account onboarding
Build and maintain strong relationships with category buyers and managers
Target: Secure 15‑25 retail accounts in Year 1
Trade Marketing & Account Support (20%): Design and execute in‑store demo/sampling programs to drive product trial and velocity
Develop retailer‑specific marketing materials, sell sheets, and promotional plans
Coordinate trade promotions (TPRs, end caps, cross‑merchandising opportunities)
Analyze sales data and provide retailers with performance insights and category recommendations
Work with retailers on co‑op marketing opportunities
Strategic Growth (10%): Develop regional expansion strategy based on market opportunities and distribution capabilities
Build relationships within the natural products industry (trade shows, networking events, industry associations)
Identify and evaluate broker partnerships for expanded coverage
Monitor competitive landscape and adjust positioning accordingly
Provide market feedback to inform product development and brand strategy
Required Qualifications Essential:
3‑5+ years of sales experience in natural/specialty foods, CPG, or related industry
Proven track record of securing retail accounts – we need to see closed deals on your resume
Direct experience working with distributors (KeHe, UNFI, or similar)Existing relationships with regional retail buyers (natural grocers, co‑ops, specialty chains, or independent stores)
Understanding of distributor economics, trade spend, and retail margin structures
Strong negotiation and closing skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Willingness to travel regionally for buyer meetings, trade shows, and store visits (25‑30%)
Proficiency with CRM systems and sales tracking tools
Highly Preferred:
Northern California retail relationships and knowledge of Bay Area natural foods market (Berkeley Bowl, Rainbow Grocery, Nugget Markets, Oliver's Market, etc.)
Experience with emerging/growing brands
Background in baking/pantry categories, gluten‑free products, or better‑for‑you food categories
Knowledge of demo/sampling program management
Experience with natural products trade shows (Expo West, Expo East, etc.)
Understanding of slotting, free fills, and new item setup processes
Familiarity with category management principles
Bonus Points:
Digital marketing skills (email, social media, e‑commerce)
Experience launching new products into retail
Connections with brokers or distributor sales teams
Bilingual capabilities
What Success Looks Like in Year 1 Months 1‑3:
Develop target account list and outreach strategy
Secure first 3‑5 regional accounts through KeHe distribution
Launch demo program in initial stores
Establish sales processes and reporting cadence
Months 4‑6:
Expand to 10‑15 total accounts
Demonstrate positive sales velocity in initial doors
Build case studies and success stories for future pitches
Attend key industry trade show
Months 7‑12:
Scale to 20‑30+ accounts based on capacity
Develop promotional calendar for existing accounts
Generate $1M+ in new retail revenue
Identify opportunities for Year 2 expansion (new regions, larger chains)
Who You Are Hunter mentality: You thrive on prospecting, cold outreach, and opening new doors
Self‑starter: You don't wait for direction; you see opportunities and act on them
Relationship builder: Buyers trust you and want to work with you
Data‑driven: You track metrics, analyze sell‑through, and optimize based on results
Passionate about natural foods: You understand the better‑for‑you consumer and market trends
Scrappy and resourceful: You're comfortable in a startup environment where you'll wear multiple hats
Results‑oriented: You're motivated by hitting targets and earning commission
What We Offer Competitive base salary: $80,000–$100,000 based on experience
Commission structure: 5‑10% of new account revenue in Year 1 (potential to earn $120K+ total compensation with strong performance)
Equity opportunity: Equity stake in Quay Naturals available for candidates who bring established retail relationships and secure accounts in first 90 days
Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision coverage
Flexibility: Hybrid work model with autonomy over your schedule
Growth opportunity: Be part of a fast‑growing brand with significant upside
Industry perks: Trade show attendance, product samples, industry networking
How to Apply Send your resume and a brief cover letter to cs@quaynaturals.com with the subject line: “Sales Manager – [Your Name]”.
In your cover letter, please address:
2‑3 specific retail accounts you've successfully secured in the past (brand, retailer, outcome)
Your experience working with distributors like KeHe or UNFI
Why you're excited about Quay Naturals and this growth stage opportunity
Timeline
Application deadline: March 15, 2026
First round interviews: March 17‑28, 2026
Final interviews: March 31 – April 4, 2026
Start date: April 14, 2026 (flexible within April based on candidate notice period)
Quay Naturals is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We’ve built a loyal following direct‑to‑consumer, and now we’re ready for our next chapter: bringing Quay Naturals to retail shelves across the country. With KeHe distribution secured, we’re positioned to become a staple in natural food stores from the Bay Area to beyond.
This is where you come in.
The Opportunity We’re looking for a driven, entrepreneurial sales leader to own our retail expansion from day one. This isn’t a “maintain existing accounts” role – you’ll be building our retail presence from the ground up.
What makes this special:
You’re the first: Be our inaugural sales hire and shape how we grow
Real ownership: Your strategy, your accounts, your wins
Momentum on your side: KeHe distribution is live – you’re activating infrastructure, not building from scratch
Room to grow: Prove yourself in Year 1, and you could be leading a team by Year 2
Equity potential: Bring relationships that convert? We’ll make you a stakeholder, not just an employee
Primary Responsibilities Retail Account Acquisition (70%): Activate KeHe distribution relationships to secure initial regional retail accounts
Identify and pursue target accounts: regional chains, natural food stores, specialty grocers, and independent retailers (initial focus: 25‑60 store chains or 100‑200+ doors)
Conduct sales calls, buyer meetings, and presentations independently
Negotiate terms, pricing, slotting fees, and promotional calendars
Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to close to account onboarding
Build and maintain strong relationships with category buyers and managers
Target: Secure 15‑25 retail accounts in Year 1
Trade Marketing & Account Support (20%): Design and execute in‑store demo/sampling programs to drive product trial and velocity
Develop retailer‑specific marketing materials, sell sheets, and promotional plans
Coordinate trade promotions (TPRs, end caps, cross‑merchandising opportunities)
Analyze sales data and provide retailers with performance insights and category recommendations
Work with retailers on co‑op marketing opportunities
Strategic Growth (10%): Develop regional expansion strategy based on market opportunities and distribution capabilities
Build relationships within the natural products industry (trade shows, networking events, industry associations)
Identify and evaluate broker partnerships for expanded coverage
Monitor competitive landscape and adjust positioning accordingly
Provide market feedback to inform product development and brand strategy
Required Qualifications Essential:
3‑5+ years of sales experience in natural/specialty foods, CPG, or related industry
Proven track record of securing retail accounts – we need to see closed deals on your resume
Direct experience working with distributors (KeHe, UNFI, or similar)Existing relationships with regional retail buyers (natural grocers, co‑ops, specialty chains, or independent stores)
Understanding of distributor economics, trade spend, and retail margin structures
Strong negotiation and closing skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Willingness to travel regionally for buyer meetings, trade shows, and store visits (25‑30%)
Proficiency with CRM systems and sales tracking tools
Highly Preferred:
Northern California retail relationships and knowledge of Bay Area natural foods market (Berkeley Bowl, Rainbow Grocery, Nugget Markets, Oliver's Market, etc.)
Experience with emerging/growing brands
Background in baking/pantry categories, gluten‑free products, or better‑for‑you food categories
Knowledge of demo/sampling program management
Experience with natural products trade shows (Expo West, Expo East, etc.)
Understanding of slotting, free fills, and new item setup processes
Familiarity with category management principles
Bonus Points:
Digital marketing skills (email, social media, e‑commerce)
Experience launching new products into retail
Connections with brokers or distributor sales teams
Bilingual capabilities
What Success Looks Like in Year 1 Months 1‑3:
Develop target account list and outreach strategy
Secure first 3‑5 regional accounts through KeHe distribution
Launch demo program in initial stores
Establish sales processes and reporting cadence
Months 4‑6:
Expand to 10‑15 total accounts
Demonstrate positive sales velocity in initial doors
Build case studies and success stories for future pitches
Attend key industry trade show
Months 7‑12:
Scale to 20‑30+ accounts based on capacity
Develop promotional calendar for existing accounts
Generate $1M+ in new retail revenue
Identify opportunities for Year 2 expansion (new regions, larger chains)
Who You Are Hunter mentality: You thrive on prospecting, cold outreach, and opening new doors
Self‑starter: You don't wait for direction; you see opportunities and act on them
Relationship builder: Buyers trust you and want to work with you
Data‑driven: You track metrics, analyze sell‑through, and optimize based on results
Passionate about natural foods: You understand the better‑for‑you consumer and market trends
Scrappy and resourceful: You're comfortable in a startup environment where you'll wear multiple hats
Results‑oriented: You're motivated by hitting targets and earning commission
What We Offer Competitive base salary: $80,000–$100,000 based on experience
Commission structure: 5‑10% of new account revenue in Year 1 (potential to earn $120K+ total compensation with strong performance)
Equity opportunity: Equity stake in Quay Naturals available for candidates who bring established retail relationships and secure accounts in first 90 days
Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision coverage
Flexibility: Hybrid work model with autonomy over your schedule
Growth opportunity: Be part of a fast‑growing brand with significant upside
Industry perks: Trade show attendance, product samples, industry networking
How to Apply Send your resume and a brief cover letter to cs@quaynaturals.com with the subject line: “Sales Manager – [Your Name]”.
In your cover letter, please address:
2‑3 specific retail accounts you've successfully secured in the past (brand, retailer, outcome)
Your experience working with distributors like KeHe or UNFI
Why you're excited about Quay Naturals and this growth stage opportunity
Timeline
Application deadline: March 15, 2026
First round interviews: March 17‑28, 2026
Final interviews: March 31 – April 4, 2026
Start date: April 14, 2026 (flexible within April based on candidate notice period)
Quay Naturals is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr