Chief Executive Officer with a Natural Food Company in New York, NY

Are you a purpose-driven executive with a passion for healthy living and a proven track record of scaling Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands? A leading Natural Food company based in New York, NY is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to shape its future. This is a unique opportunity to lead a mission-oriented business at the forefront of the clean-label movement, driving innovation, sustainable practices, and strategic growth in the health-focused food sector.

Lead a Fast-Growing Natural Food Brand in New York

Join a values-based, high-growth Natural Food company as its next Chief Executive Officer. Headquartered in the heart of New York City, this company is known for its commitment to transparency, quality ingredients, and community impact. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in CPG leadership, a deep understanding of consumer trends in health and wellness, and the strategic vision to scale operations, expand distribution, and elevate brand presence in a competitive marketplace. If you’re passionate about making a difference through food and leading a company with purpose, this is your next big move.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Natural Food Company

Strategic Vision & Growth Leadership
Craft and execute a long-term strategic plan that aligns with the company’s mission to deliver clean, nutritious, and sustainable food options. Leverage market insights and health trends to guide innovation and position the brand as a leader in the natural foods category.

Operational Excellence in Natural Foods
Oversee daily operations with a focus on product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and supply chain sustainability. Champion best-in-class operational practices, ensure traceability, and drive continuous improvement across all departments.

Revenue & Market Share Expansion
Identify high-potential market segments, product categories, and retail opportunities to accelerate top-line growth. Lead go-to-market strategies, pricing models, and cost optimizations while ensuring the brand’s premium quality and values remain intact.

Brand Building & Consumer Engagement
Strengthen brand equity through authentic storytelling, mission-driven marketing, and purpose-led innovation. Guide the marketing team to amplify the brand’s voice across digital, retail, and community platforms, deepening connections with health-conscious consumers.

Leadership & Organizational Culture
Inspire and empower a cross-functional leadership team aligned with the company’s values of health, transparency, and integrity. Cultivate a collaborative and purpose-driven culture that attracts top talent and promotes continuous development.

Financial Management & Accountability
Partner with the CFO to ensure financial discipline, sound budgeting, and efficient capital deployment. Analyze key metrics to ensure profitability, evaluate funding needs, and present clear financial reporting to the board and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Relations & Corporate Governance
Build trust-based relationships with investors, board members, partners, and customers. Maintain open communication and uphold strong corporate governance practices to ensure ethical leadership and long-term value creation.

Product Development & Consumer Insights
Champion innovation in product development based on deep consumer understanding, health trends, and dietary preferences. Translate data-driven insights into new offerings that meet evolving customer demands in the natural food space.

Sustainable Supply Chain & Ethical Sourcing
Ensure a transparent, ethical, and resilient supply chain. Collaborate with suppliers to maintain ingredient quality, support fair labor practices, and reduce environmental impact across sourcing and manufacturing.

Compliance, Quality, & Risk Oversight
Safeguard the company’s compliance with food safety regulations, certifications (e.g., USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project), and ethical business practices. Identify and mitigate operational, legal, and reputational risks to ensure long-term viability.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a mission-driven Natural Food Company, the client seeks an inspiring and strategic leader with deep expertise in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) space—ideally with a focus on natural, organic, or better-for-you food products. You should bring a growth-oriented mindset, a passion for clean-label innovation, and the ability to lead with both purpose and performance. If you’re committed to making a positive impact through food, this opportunity is designed for you.

Natural CPG Leadership Experience

The client is looking for a seasoned executive with significant experience in the natural or organic CPG space. You should have a history of successfully scaling food brands, navigating retail and direct-to-consumer channels, and fostering innovation in product development. A proven track record of leading mission-driven companies and building category-leading brands is highly valued.

Strategic Vision with a Purpose-Driven Focus

You must be a strategic thinker who can set a clear roadmap for growth while staying true to the company’s values. The client seeks someone who can balance aggressive market expansion with purpose-led decision-making—guiding the business in a way that is sustainable, responsible, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations in health and wellness.

Financial and Operational Mastery

A strong command of financial management, budgeting, and capital allocation is essential. You should bring a data-driven approach to business planning, be able to manage investor expectations, and ensure profitability without compromising product quality or company ethics. Experience in scaling operations efficiently while maintaining high product standards is a major asset.

Builder of High-Performing, Mission-Aligned Teams

The client values a leader who can cultivate a culture of collaboration, accountability, and purpose. You should be able to attract and retain top talent while empowering teams to innovate and grow. Leading by example and creating an inclusive, values-based workplace are core expectations of this role.

Consumer Insight & Brand Storytelling Expertise

A deep understanding of health-conscious consumers and natural food trends is critical. The ideal candidate will have experience turning consumer insights into compelling brand narratives and product innovations. You should know how to connect with today’s values-driven buyers and build enduring brand loyalty through authentic engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Transparency

The client seeks a CEO who can forge strong relationships with board members, investors, retail partners, and sustainability stakeholders. Your ability to communicate transparently, align diverse interests, and present a compelling vision for the company will be instrumental in driving continued investment and support.

Commitment to Ethical Practices & Sustainability

Above all, the client is looking for a leader who champions ethical sourcing, regulatory compliance, and sustainability in all aspects of the business. Experience with certifications such as USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project, or B Corp is a plus. A genuine commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility will set you apart.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Natural Food Company

1. What are the key responsibilities of the CEO in this role?
As CEO, you will be responsible for crafting and executing the company’s strategic vision, with a focus on natural and organic food innovation. Your responsibilities will include driving revenue growth, overseeing operations and supply chain efficiency, expanding market presence, ensuring financial sustainability, and building a strong leadership team. You will also serve as the public face of the brand, maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, investors, and the community.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive executive experience in the natural or organic food sector, or broader Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, with a proven record of scaling purpose-driven brands. A background in strategic leadership, brand building, operational excellence, and financial management is critical. Prior experience in health-conscious or sustainability-focused organizations is highly valued. An MBA or equivalent advanced degree is a plus.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The company is seeking a mission-driven, visionary leader who can combine strategic foresight with hands-on execution. Key qualities include inspirational leadership, strong decision-making abilities, a passion for wellness and sustainability, and the ability to build high-performing, values-aligned teams. Strong communication, emotional intelligence, and stakeholder management skills are also essential.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
Leading a Natural Food company comes with challenges such as shifting consumer preferences, maintaining supply chain integrity, scaling sustainably, and standing out in a highly competitive marketplace. You will need to balance purpose and profit while navigating regulatory requirements, certification standards (like USDA Organic, Non-GMO), and evolving retail dynamics.

5. What is the expected impact of the CEO on the company’s growth?
The CEO will be instrumental in driving the next phase of the company’s growth. This includes expanding distribution, increasing brand visibility, developing new product lines, and driving profitability while maintaining the brand’s core mission. Your leadership will directly influence the company’s reputation, customer loyalty, and market leadership.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company promotes a collaborative, purpose-driven, and entrepreneurial culture. Innovation, integrity, and impact are at the heart of its mission. You’ll be joining a team that values transparency, creativity, and sustainability, with a shared commitment to transforming the food industry for the better.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Natural Food Company based in New York, NY, you can expect a highly competitive and mission-aligned compensation package. This role is designed to attract visionary leaders who can drive business growth while maintaining the company’s values around health, sustainability, and consumer transparency. The full remuneration package typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a CEO in the natural and organic CPG sector can vary depending on the size, funding stage, and growth trajectory of the company. For mid-to-large organizations or high-growth startups, annual base salaries typically range from $250,000 to $500,000, with the potential for higher compensation at larger or investor-backed firms.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

Bonuses are tied to business outcomes such as revenue growth, market share, operational efficiency, new product launches, and sustainability milestones. Annual performance-based bonuses can range from 30% to 100% of the base salary, depending on both individual and company performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options

To align executive incentives with long-term company success, many natural food companies offer equity compensation, including stock options, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), or performance shares. In founder-led or VC-backed firms, equity grants can represent a significant portion of total compensation and are structured to reward long-term strategic value creation.

Some organizations may offer Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) or profit-sharing arrangements, especially for executives driving sustained growth over 3–5 years. These programs may include performance milestones tied to funding rounds, EBITDA growth, or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) impact.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

As CEO, you can expect a premium benefits package tailored to executive-level leadership, which typically includes:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or retirement plans with company match
Executive wellness and personal development programs
Paid sabbaticals or mental health support
Company vehicle or travel stipend (if applicable)
Business expense accounts and exclusive industry memberships

6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Support

For qualified executives, the company may offer a signing bonus or relocation package, particularly for candidates moving to New York or transitioning from another high-level position. These incentives may range from $50,000 to $300,000, depending on experience and negotiation.

Total Compensation Potential

Taking into account base salary, performance bonuses, equity incentives, and long-term rewards, total compensation for a CEO in the natural foods industry can range from $500,000 to several million dollars annually, especially for companies in growth or pre-IPO stages. Companies committed to attracting top talent in health-driven CPG are willing to invest in visionary leaders who can scale with purpose.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary, purpose-driven executive with deep experience in the Natural or Organic Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) space, we invite you to apply for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Natural Food Company role based in New York, NY. This is a unique opportunity to lead a values-led organization that is redefining healthy food through innovation, sustainability, and consumer trust.

To apply, please submit your resume and a personalized cover letter outlining your leadership experience in the natural CPG industry. Share details on your track record of driving business growth, brand development, operational excellence, supply chain strategy, and team leadership—especially within purpose-driven or health-focused companies.

This high-impact leadership role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of a mission-driven brand, expand its footprint across retail and digital platforms, and make a lasting difference in the health and wellness sector. Apply today to take your executive career to the next level as CEO of a company that’s changing the way the world eats—naturally.

For additional details or to discover more leadership opportunities in the natural foods sector, visit our Natural & Organic Food industry recruiters Page.

Job Category: Natural & Organic Food industry

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: New York

Chief Executive Officer with a Natural Food Company in New York, NY