Mediabistro logo
job logo

Sales Strategy & Planning Manager

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood), Chicago, IL, USA

Pay: 60.000 - 80.000

Job type: Full Time


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. This role is in a fast-paced, creative environment and offers an opportunity to be part of building a rapidly growing business, while actively contributing towards strategy and execution. The manager reports 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 USD - $150,000 USD

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.

Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: 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.

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. 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.

Be a Riverside Brand Ambassador: Stay relentlessly close to our consumers and represent the brand in every interaction, decision, and deliverable. Deliver 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. 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.

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.

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.

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 through our Tuition Reimbursement Program

An open concept work environment that embodies our values

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

#J-18808-Ljbffr