Senior Vice President, Natural Specialty

About the role

The Senior Vice President, Natural Specialty is a key executive leadership role responsible for driving profitable growth, strengthening client relationships, expanding new business, and leading high-performing teams within Acosta’s Natural Specialty business.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Natural Specialty sales organization with responsibility for overall business development, client growth, team performance, and profitability.
• Develop and execute strategic growth plans that expand existing client partnerships, identify white-space opportunities, and secure new manufacturer relationships.
• Build and maintain strong executive-level relationships with key customers, clients, retailers, and internal stakeholders to support business objectives and long-term growth.
• Establish revenue, operating income, and expense management priorities; monitor performance monthly to ensure budget goals and financial objectives are achieved.
• Strengthen retail coverage, communication, and execution plans across grocery, natural, specialty, and related channels.
• Lead, coach, and develop directors, regional sales managers, and broader team members to support performance, engagement, and succession planning.
• Champion Acosta values by setting clear expectations for leadership, collaboration, associate development, accountability, and client service excellence.
• Partner with internal training resources to develop onboarding, group training, and skill-building programs that support associate success and business needs.
• Prepare and deliver business reviews, market opportunity assessments, and strategic recommendations that support client growth and new business development.
• Negotiate and close business opportunities, contracts, and client agreements that align with company goals and profitability expectations.
• Ensure client goals and expectations are met or exceeded through disciplined execution, proactive communication, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in business, marketing, sales, management, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in sales, marketing, business development, client leadership, or a comparable industry background.
• Proven success leading sales teams, developing leaders, managing performance, and building succession plans.
• Demonstrated experience developing growth strategies, expanding client relationships, and closing complex business opportunities.
• Strong negotiation experience, including contract discussions, closing techniques, and executive-level client engagement.
• Experience working in the Natural Food Industry to include 3+ years. As well as Whole Foods Market HQ management for 3+ years.
• Can successfully manage client relationship across major CPG’s and entrepreneurial companies.
• Understands Whole Foods Markets strict ingredient standards and has worked with companies in this space on understanding how to work with Whole Foods Markets.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods (typically 6+ hours per day).
• Use a computer, including keyboard and mouse, for prolonged periods.
• Lift and carry light items (e.g., files, office supplies, laptops, typically 20+ pounds).
• Reach, bend, or stoop occasionally to access files or office materials.
• Maintain focus and attention for long periods of desk-based work.
• Follow clear directions.
• Perform repetitive motions (e.g., typing, clicking) consistently throughout the day.