Mission Field: Innovation, Insights & Strategy · 1 day ago
Director of Sales & Retail Operations
Mission Field is an innovation strategy consultancy that helps Fortune 500 CPG clients create, develop, and test new consumer products. They are seeking a Director of Sales & Retail Operations to lead client engagements, manage retailer relationships, and oversee the execution of market tests for new product innovations.
Responsibilities
Lead client engagements focused on transactional, in-market testing of new product innovation across a wide variety of channels including (but not limited to) grocery, mass, club, food service, c-store, natural/specialty, and pet retail
Own and expand retailer relationships, selling into buyers and category managers across all channels
Serve as the sales and retailer expert on cross-functional client teams, translating test results and retailer needs into actionable recommendations
Manage end-to-end execution of test markets, from corporate sell-in to store-level execution including in-store promotions, retailer agencies, digital programs and other shopper marketing tactics
Assist with synthesizing both data and insights into clear, compelling client deliverables
Interview buyers and category managers to inform innovation strategy
Lead and develop a small & growing Sales Operations team
Operate with flexibility and speed in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
Qualification
Required
10+ years of experience in CPG sales, with direct responsibility selling into major U.S. retailers (FDMC+), with 5+ years of experience at a Fortune 100 CPG company
Strong, existing buyer and category manager relationships across different channels
Expertise in thinking out of the box in forming/finding new retailer relationships/connections
Experience working across multiple categories and temperature states
Proven ability to partner cross functionally with senior marketing, insights, and innovation teams
Ability to influence and guide both CPG manufacturers and retailers
Excellent project management, critical thinking, and communication skills
Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word needed; AI tool experience a plus
Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times and transport cases from van to selling floor. Must be able to physically reset shelves from top shelf to bottom shelf (from on knees to on a small ladder). Travel 6-12x/year
Preferred
Experience in both F500 and entrepreneurial CPG environments strongly preferred
Exposure and understanding of EU, UK, LatAm & Asian retailers is a plus
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) plan
Automatic 401(k) employer contribution
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Flexible spending account (FSA)
Health savings account (HSA)
Dependent care FSA
Flexible time off
Paid holidays