job purpose:
The
Senior Director, Commercial Strategy & Operations is responsible for defining and leading the enterprise commercial strategy to deliver sustainable, profitable growth. This role provides strategic direction across brands, channels, and customers while ensuring best-in-class go-to-market execution.
This leader operates with a general manager mindset, connecting insights across consumer, category, customer, and channel to shape long-term growth strategies. The role serves as a key partner to Brand, Sales, Franchise, RGM, Insights, Finance and Supply Chain, driving alignment and execution across the organization.
responsibilities: - Define and lead the enterprise commercial strategy across brands, channels, and customers to deliver sustainable, profitable growth
- Develop and align long-range plans and annual operating plans, ensuring clear prioritization of growth opportunities
- Lead channel and customer strategy, including prioritization, joint business planning, and route-to-market optimization
- Oversee commercialization of innovation and portfolio initiatives, ensuring strong go-to-market execution across all channels
- Establish and drive a commercial performance management framework, using data and insights to identify risks and unlock opportunities
- Serve as a strategic integrator across Brand, Sales, Franchise, RGM, Insights, Finance and Supply Chain, to align business priorities and execution
- Lead key operating rhythms and governance forums to drive accountability, decision-making, and organizational alignment
- Build and lead a high-performing Commercial Strategy & Operations organization, including talent development and succession planning
- Drive capability development in commercial planning, analytics, revenue growth management, and execution excellence
- Lead organizational evolution, ensuring the right structure, talent, and processes are in place to support long-term growth
skills/qualifications required: - 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in commercial strategy, sales strategy or general management roles
- Proven track records of building, leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong experience in consumer goods, beverage or retail-driven environments
- Deep expertise in channel strategy, category management and go-to-market execution
- Demonstrated ability to leverage data and insights to drive business decisions
- Collaborative leader with ability to influence and partner with cross-functional teams and senior internal and external stakeholders
- Exceptional communication and executive presence skills
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
how fairlife nourishes you: At fairlife, we believe in better - and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
- Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
- Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
- Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
- Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
- 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
- Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
- Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
- Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
- Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
- Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
- Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups
fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are - supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.
position location: Chicago, IL
reports to: VP, Commercial
travel requirements: 25% - 30%
exempt/nonexempt: exempt
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*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.
Base pay range:
$185,000-$215,000 USD
