Director of Sales, Natural Channel

Simple Mills

. Lead the strategy, growth, and execution of the Natural Channel .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $125,000 - $165,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing commercial plans for the Natural Channel, with a strong focus on building partnerships, optimizing distribution, and driving brand growth. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and leverage analytical skills to inform strategic decisions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Account Management ExperienceSales Strategy ImplementationSyndicated Data AnalysisTeam LeadershipNatural Food Industry Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Commercial PlanningRevenue Growth ManagementKPI EstablishmentMarket Share GrowthDistribution OptimizationAssortment ManagementTrade Investment ManagementPresentation SkillsAnalytical SkillsProject Management

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsCollaborationAdaptabilityCuriosityOwnership

Tools & Technologies

NielsenIRISPINS

Industry Keywords

Natural RetailersDistributorsFood Retail EnvironmentHealthy EatingMarket Expansion

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the strategy, growth, and execution of the Natural Channel
Develop and deliver the channel’s annual and long-range commercial plan
Build partnerships with key natural retailers and distributors
Identify opportunities to expand distribution, accelerate velocity, and grow market share
Develop the three-year vision and annual operating plan for the Natural Channel
Define where and how the brand should win across natural retailers, independents, and distributors
Identify whitespace opportunities across customers, geography, assortment, merchandising, and emerging natural accounts
Translate company strategy into customer and distributor priorities
Protect Natural’s role as an innovation and brand-building channel
Partner with Marketing and Innovation on product pipeline opportunities
Represent the Natural shopper, customer, and channel internally
Own revenue, trade investment, distribution, velocity, and profitability objectives
Build customer-level growth plans and drive short-term and sustainable brand growth
Drive distribution expansion while protecting existing SKU productivity
Optimize assortment, pricing, promotions, merchandising, and innovation
Establish KPIs and address performance gaps
Build, coach, and develop a high-performing Natural sales team
Manage broker and agency partners where applicable
Create development plans and succession opportunities for future sales leaders
Establish a culture of ownership, collaboration, curiosity, and high standards
Partner with Finance, Revenue Growth Management, Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Category Management, Insights, Marketing, and Innovation
Represent the Natural Channel in senior Sales and cross-functional leadership discussions
Build senior-level relationships with priority Natural customers
Lead annual planning, JBP conversations, major negotiations, new-item selling support, and strategic business reviews
Lead strategic relationships and business performance with key Natural distributors, particularly UNFI and KeHE
Optimize distribution, inventory, service levels, programming, and economics across distributor partners
Report to the VP of Sales

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
10+ years of experience working in account management across Natural retailers and distributors
Proven success creating and implementing sales strategies across multiple channels
Experience leading a team of high-functioning and experienced employees
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects and define action steps
Substantial experience with syndicated data, including Nielsen, IRI, and SPINS
Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and communication skills
Ability to produce visually compelling presentations
Strong knowledge of food retail environment and practices
Passion for natural food and healthy eating and belief in the company’s goals and mission
Willingness to be flexible, adaptable, and proactive in a constantly changing industry and company
Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
Ability to travel approximately 50% of the time
Sufficient internet access to support video conferencing
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to the Chicago office if working remotely
Must be based in a designated location in the United States if working remotely

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus opportunity
Health, financial, and wellness programs
Time off approach supporting rest and recharge
Lifestyle perks
Innovation shipments
Mentorship, collaboration, and long-term career support
Continuous learning and development opportunities
Hands-on training and learning platforms
Career growth opportunities
Remote, hybrid, or in-office work model depending on role
Remote work may be considered for qualified candidates in the United States
Company commitment to inclusion, reasonable accommodations, and equal employment opportunities