Senior Director, Sales & Customer Marketing

Gorilla Commerce•Norwalk, CT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Sales & Customer Marketing owns the strategy and execution that connects Gorilla Commerce's brands to shoppers at the point of purchase across brick-and-mortar retail. This role sits at the intersection of retail sales and downstream marketing, accountable for driving profitable revenue growth with strategic accounts such as Walmart and Target while building the shopper, retail, and customer marketing programs that convert distribution into velocity. The role translates brand strategy into account-specific, shopper-first plans, partners closely with buyers and internal cross-functional teams, and ensures every dollar of trade and marketing investment works harder at shelf and online. This is a builder role for a commercially minded marketer, or a marketing-minded seller, who is equally comfortable in a buyer line review and a creative brief.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; MBA preferred.
8+ years of progressive experience in CPG spanning both sales / account management and downstream marketing (shopper marketing, customer marketing, retail marketing, or brand).
Demonstrated success on both sides of the commercial equation, carrying a number against a retail account and building the marketing programs that drive shopper conversion, ideally with experience rotating across sales and marketing roles.
Experience with Walmart and/or Target is a strong plus, including familiarity with retailer systems, joint business planning, and retail media networks (Walmart Connect).
Experience with Amazon / Walmart.com is a requirement – whether in sales or in marketing (ideally both). Key is for the individual to understand these online platforms well and be able to translate what works online into successful retail / in-store tactics
Strong command of shopper insights, syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana/IRI), and retailer data to build fact-based selling stories.
Proven ability to manage trade and marketing budgets for ROI, with fluency in promotional strategy, pricing, and trade optimization.
Track record of launching and scaling products at retail across in-store and omnichannel touchpoints.
Excellent communication, storytelling, and executive presentation skills, with the ability to influence buyers and C-suite stakeholders alike.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; able to lead through ambiguity, prioritize competing initiatives, and build structure where none exists.

Nice To Haves

People leadership experience and the ability to build, coach, and scale a high-performing team preferred.

Responsibilities

Own the sales and customer marketing strategy for assigned retail accounts, with a primary focus on mass and national retailers (Walmart, Target, club, and emerging retail channels), including the joint business plan, revenue targets, and trade investment.
Develop and execute shopper marketing, retail marketing, and customer marketing programs that drive trial, conversion, velocity, and repeat purchase, spanning in-store activation, retailer media (e.g., Walmart Connect, Roundel), digital shelf, promotions, and omnichannel campaigns.
Translate brand strategy and marketplace insights into account-specific selling stories and category narratives, using shopper insights, consumers reviews, syndicated data, and retailer data to win at line reviews and category reviews.
Manage the trade and customer marketing budget, optimizing promotional spend, coop, and retailer media for ROI, incrementality, and profitable growth.
Serve as a commercial partner to buyers and merchants, building and nurturing relationships that drive distribution, assortment, feature, display, and modular wins.
Partner cross-functionally with Brand, Product Management, Planning, Supply Chain, Finance, and Creative to align account plans with brand priorities, forecasts, and the annual operating plan.
Lead new product introductions and channel expansion at retail, from sell-in through in-store and online launch activation.
Build the shopper and customer marketing playbook, tools, and processes that make retail activation repeatable, measurable, and scalable across the brand portfolio.
Analyze category, competitive, and shopper trends to identify white space, defend shelf position, and proactively bring growth recommendations to accounts and leadership.
Provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership on account performance, trade and marketing investment priorities, risks, and growth opportunities.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, including a free medical option.
401(k) with Company Match
Generous PTO, holidays, and “Birthday Your Way” – take a day off during your birthday month.
Paid time off for new parents.
Mental health resources, free gym in our Norwalk office, and Employee Assistance Programs.
Hybrid schedule with three in-office days (Monday–Wednesday)
Remote Flex Week: One fully remote week per year—the week between Christmas and New Year
Professional development encouraged and opportunities provided annually.
Commuter assistance, pet-friendly office, and wellness programs.
Free snacks, coffee, and team events to keep our community strong.