Director of Retail – Value-Add (Fresh Cut Fruits & ...

Vice President of Retail – Fresh Cut & Value-Added ProductsLocation: Richmond, VA or Hyattsville, MD | Schedule: On-site, Full-Time Compensation: $120,000 – $160,000 (flexible to $170,000–$180,000 for exceptional candidates)OverviewA growing food distribution company is expanding into value-added retail offerings and seeking a Vice President of Retail – Fresh Cut to spearhead this strategic initiative. This role will be responsible for launching and growing a line of fresh-cut products—such as fruit cups, salad bowls, snack boxes, and parfaits—designed for retail and grab-and-go channels.This is a startup-style role within a larger organization: ideal for a hands-on leader who has built or scaled fresh cut programs from the ground up and is eager to take full ownership of production operations, merchandising strategy, and distribution planning.What You’ll DoDesign, launch, and grow a value-added retail line from scratch, including product selection, packaging, pricing, and positioningOversee all aspects of fresh cut production: cutting, labeling, portioning, and packagingDevelop merchandising and go-to-market strategies for retail and grab-and-go formatsCollaborate with cross-functional teams in operations, procurement, QA, and sales to build internal alignment and supportIdentify and establish distribution channels and retail placement strategiesSet up systems and workflows for production planning, inventory management, and fulfillmentDrive product quality, food safety, and packaging compliance across all SKUsWork closely with leadership to build out long-term staffing and infrastructure around this new divisionWhat We’re Looking ForRequired ExperienceExperience in value-add/fresh cut fruits and vegetables, with clear ownership of product executionBackground in production operations, including packaging, labeling, and throughput managementProven ability to launch and scale fresh cut or ready-to-eat lines in a retail or hybrid environmentExperience with merchandising strategy—including pricing, placement, packaging formats, and brandingUnderstanding of retail distribution, including contacts and prior placement successHands-on leader with a build-from-scratch mindsetCurrently at a Director or Sr. Manager level; VP titles considered only if heavily involved in operational executionWillingness to be fully on-site at either the Richmond or Hyattsville locationPreferred ExperienceProduct development experience with snack boxes, parfaits, bento-style packs, or grab-and-go formatsFamiliarity with retail food trends in convenience, health, or away-from-home channelsBackground working in both production and merchandising functionsKnowledge of pricing strategy, SKU mix, and channel-specific product designExisting relationships in the fresh cut retail spaceWork Environment & CultureLocation Options: Richmond, VA (preferred) or Hyattsville, MDSchedule: On-site, Monday through FridayRelocation: Candidates open to relocating will be considered; remote work is not an optionThis is a high-autonomy position with visibility across leadershipThe role has no direct reports initially, but offers clear potential to build a team and infrastructure over timeCandidates will interview with both senior leadership and operating managersWhy This Role?This position is ideal for a growth-minded operator who wants to build something new inside a company with a strong foundation. If you've had success launching value-add products, understand how to get them into distribution, and are looking for a role where you can leave your mark—this is your opportunity.You’ll be part of a company that values innovation, execution, and steady growth—one that is prepared to “walk before it runs” and is looking for the right leader to take them into the next phase of retail development.Ready to make an impact? Apply now or reach out to learn more about this opportunity. 

Created: 2025-08-01