Lead Emerging Channels & Territory Development South East

This role is responsible for identifying, activating, and scaling non-traditional and emerging channels of growth for the company's CPG food portfolio. This position will develop new business within independent markets in under-represented territories, identify the right accounts and product-market fit, and build distribution models to serve them efficiently while creating the commercial infrastructure to support sustainable growth in markets where the company has limited or no existing presence. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Lead new business development within independent markets in under-represented territories, including but not limited to prospecting and relationship-building through account activation and first shipment; build and maintain relationships with key buyers, distributors, and operators across target geographies. Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging and non-traditional channel opportunities; develop channel-specific go-to-market strategies, including distribution models, pricing architecture, pack configurations, product-market fit recommendations, and promotional frameworks. Design scalable commercial frameworks for each channel, ensuring new ventures launch on a durable and repeatable foundation; establish best-in-class systems and processes for channel onboarding, performance tracking, and account management. Build and refine distribution models that enable efficient, cost-effective coverage of independent and under-represented markets, including DSD, broadline distributor, and hybrid approaches. Build the business case for new channel investments, including revenue potential, margin implications, and resource requirements; share channel learnings and best practices across the broader commercial team to inform category and brand strategy. Track and report channel performance against revenue targets, distribution goals, and launch milestones; provide the Director with regular pipeline updates, channel performance summaries, and emerging opportunity assessments. Build, lead, and organize field sales teams as needed for new venture development. Perform other duties as assigned.