Director of Sales and Marketing

Job Title: Director of Sales & Marketing

Location: Boulder, CO (Hybrid)

Who We Are:

Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods are united by a passion for innovation, adventure, and exceptional food. Backpacker’s Pantry, founded in 1951, has a rich history of creating gourmet freeze-dried meals that fuel unforgettable outdoor adventures. Astronaut Foods, established in 1974, brings the thrill of space exploration to life with fun, freeze-dried snacks. Based in Boulder, Colorado, both brands are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable products that inspire curiosity, exploration, and discovery. Together, we are building a legacy of creativity and excellence in the specialty food space.

Role Summary:

American Outdoor Products is looking for an experienced Director of Sales & Marketing who will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing efforts to drive revenue growth, build brand awareness, and develop strategic business opportunities. This role requires a combination of leadership, strategy, and data-driven decision-making. Candidates with extensive sales experience and strategic marketing initiatives will be prioritized, as well as candidates who have led teams of Sales and Marketing Managers to drive results. Reporting directly to our CEO, our ideal candidate has an extensive CPG background and deep understanding of managing key relationships.

Responsibilities:

• Manage, mentor, and develop sales and marketing teams, to ensure alignment with company and individual goals
• Provide clear performance expectations, regular feedback, professional development opportunities to the sales and marketing teams
• Communicate in a timely, efficiently, and effective manner to update leadership on sales performance, market trends, consumer insights, opportunities, and challenges impacting our business, and ensure greater clairvoyance around potential issues
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns across various channels, including email/SMS, social media, paid advertising, events, PR, Web/SEO and ambassador/ influencer marketing
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities and consumer insights to identify opportunities for growth, competitive advantages and strategic marketing initiatives
• Full ownership of the strategy and execution of sales strategy plans across key accounts
• Drive sales within existing accounts, manage sales broker and rep relationships and secure new accounts for both brands
• Establish, monitor, and achieve sales revenue goals. Provide accurate monthly and annual forecasts
• Provide account management to key accounts, this includes scenario planning, buttoned-up documentation, and responsiveness to key stakeholders at all accounts, as well as responding to customer feedback and reviews
• Onboard new accounts with detailed attention and adherence to AOP account set up
• Ensure all sales documentation, strategies, and processes are updated, current, and maintained accurately and promptly
• Deliver on timely reports on sales initiatives, goals, new accounts, and forecasts
• Guide marketing team efforts to create cohesive, integrated materials that amplify brand visibility and drive engagement both online and in-store, aligning closely with key retailer strategies and needs.
• Lead trade show planning, scheduling, booth arrangement and set-up, staffing and sampling needs
• Ensure maximum brand visibility and marketability within accounts to ensure greater competitiveness
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, operations, finance, and customer experience teams to ensure cohesive strategies around product launches, inventory planning, promotions, pricing, profitability targets, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead product development commercialization, ensuring successful launches through coordinated sales and marketing initiatives
• Guide brands through significant marketing projects such as brand refreshes, rebranding efforts, packaging changes, and other transformative initiatives
• Prepare annual sales and marketing plans, including topline revenue forecasts, unit forecasts, event schedules, marketing calendars, and additional strategic planning priorities
• Travel for sales meetings, food demos, retailer visits, industry events and trade shows or as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Minimum 7 to 10 years in sales and marketing positions
• 3 years of experience in sales or marketing leadership roles, preferably in the food, beverage or outdoor industry
• CPG and eCommerce experience preferred
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to drive decision-making
• Experience managing P&L responsibility or budget ownership within sales and marketing functions.
• Track record of successfully scaling brands or products in eCommerce and retail or expanding distribution channels.
• Ability to effectively manage change and navigate brands through significant transitions or strategic pivots
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns across various channels
• Proven track record in product commercialization, from concept to successful launch
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
• Ability to work from our Boulder office four days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
• Knowledge of outdoor recreation, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities is a plus

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $140-150K
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid holidays
• 401(K) retirement plan
• Employee profit-sharing program
• Product stipend and access to industry deals

AOP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Our commitment to equal opportunity applies to all aspects of employment.