Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor in Chicago, IL

Are you a strategic financial leader with a passion for natural and organic products? We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join a fast-growing Whole Foods distribution company based in Chicago, IL. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving sustainable growth in a mission-driven organization. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and bring expertise in supply chain finance, budgeting, and data-driven decision-making, we want to hear from you.

Shape the Financial Future of a Leading Organic Food Distributor

A Chicago-based Whole Foods distributor is on the lookout for a results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to guide its financial operations through its next phase of growth. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in food distribution or CPG finance, a strong command of financial modeling and compliance, and the ability to drive profitability while supporting long-term vision. If you’re ready to lead in a purpose-driven company that values sustainability and health, this is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor

Financial Strategy & Leadership:
Design and execute comprehensive financial strategies that align with the company’s mission and growth objectives. As the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor, you will play a critical role in shaping long-term financial planning, capital allocation, and business sustainability.

Budgeting & Forecasting:
Oversee the preparation of annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and multi-year financial models. Ensure all projections are data-driven, support business goals, and enable informed executive decision-making.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management:
Maintain optimal liquidity through rigorous cash flow analysis, working capital oversight, and proactive treasury operations. Implement controls to ensure efficient use of resources and funding.

Accounting & Financial Reporting:
Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting. Ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards while delivering timely and accurate financial statements.

Profitability & Cost Control:
Analyze product margins, pricing strategies, and distribution costs to uncover opportunities for increased profitability. Develop systems to monitor and control expenses across departments.

Supply Chain Finance:
Partner with operations to optimize inventory management, vendor terms, and procurement processes. The Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor must understand the nuances of food logistics to drive cost efficiencies while ensuring product availability and freshness.

Risk Management & Compliance:
Establish internal controls and oversee compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations. Proactively manage financial risk and ensure business continuity planning is in place.

Team Development & Leadership:
Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team to build a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement. Attract and develop top financial talent to support the organization’s growth.

Executive Collaboration:
Work closely with the CEO and executive team to support strategic planning, fundraising, and performance measurement. Provide insights that influence operational and investment decisions across the business.

Investor & Stakeholder Relations:
Prepare and present financial reports and analyses for the board, investors, and other stakeholders. Promote transparency, confidence, and trust in the financial stewardship of the company.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor, the client is seeking a strategic financial leader who can drive performance, streamline operations, and support the mission of delivering high-quality, organic products. You should bring a balance of financial discipline, operational insight, and leadership acumen to help the company thrive in a competitive and purpose-driven market.

Proven Experience in Financial Leadership

The client is looking for a finance executive with a strong background in accounting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making. You should have a successful track record of guiding companies through various growth stages—particularly in food distribution, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related industries. Experience with ERP systems, financial modeling, and cross-functional collaboration is essential.

Strategic and Operational Mindset

As the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor, you must be adept at balancing big-picture strategy with day-to-day financial operations. The client values professionals who can think beyond the balance sheet—bringing insights that influence company-wide decisions, drive cost efficiencies, and support future scalability.

Deep Understanding of Supply Chain Finance

Given the nature of food distribution, the ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with inventory management, procurement cost analysis, and vendor financing. You’ll be expected to work closely with logistics and operations to ensure financial strategies align with the supply chain’s complexity and pace.

Strong Financial Acumen and Risk Management

The client expects you to bring robust knowledge in budgeting, forecasting, capital allocation, and financial compliance. You should be comfortable analyzing complex financial data, leading audits, and mitigating risks while aligning the organization with regulatory and ethical standards.

Team-Oriented Leadership

Leadership extends beyond financial expertise. The company is looking for a CFO who can mentor and develop a high-performing finance team while fostering collaboration across departments. Your ability to communicate financial insights clearly and build strong internal relationships will be vital to success.

Mission-Driven with a Consumer-Focused Approach

The ideal Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor will be passionate about supporting a mission that promotes health, sustainability, and community. Your financial decisions should reflect an understanding of customer values and contribute to the company’s long-term brand integrity and growth.

Exceptional Communication with Stakeholders

The client seeks a CFO who can confidently engage with investors, board members, auditors, and executive peers. You should be skilled at presenting financial information transparently and building trust across all levels of the organization.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor?
As the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor, your primary responsibilities will include developing and overseeing the company’s financial strategy, managing budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving profitability. You will lead the finance team, provide actionable insights to the executive team, and collaborate closely with operations and supply chain to drive cost efficiencies and long-term growth.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have significant senior-level finance experience, preferably within the food distribution, natural foods, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. A background in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, supply chain finance, and strategic leadership is essential. CPA or MBA credentials are preferred, along with a strong track record of leading finance teams and scaling operations in high-growth environments.

3. What makes this role unique compared to other CFO positions?
This role goes beyond traditional finance functions. As the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor, you will help shape the company’s mission to promote healthy, organic living while ensuring the financial infrastructure supports rapid expansion and operational excellence. Your decisions will have a direct impact on both the financial health of the company and its ability to serve customers sustainably and efficiently.

4. What are some challenges I may face in this role?
You may face challenges such as managing tight margins, navigating supply chain volatility, and adapting to evolving food safety regulations. Additionally, aligning financial goals with the distributor’s commitment to sustainability and community values requires strategic agility. The ideal candidate will be skilled in balancing cost control with mission-driven growth.

5. What kind of leadership style is the client looking for?
The client seeks a hands-on, collaborative financial leader who can mentor teams, build cross-functional partnerships, and communicate complex financial data in a clear and actionable way. As the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor, you should lead with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to shared success.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The organization fosters a values-driven culture centered on health, transparency, and community impact. It’s a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where team collaboration and innovation are highly valued. You’ll be joining a purpose-led company that combines financial discipline with a strong commitment to sustainable business practices.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor in Chicago, IL, you can expect a comprehensive and competitive compensation package designed to reward financial leadership, strategic vision, and operational excellence. The structure typically includes a blend of fixed and performance-based incentives aligned with company goals and long-term sustainability.

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor generally ranges from $200,000 to $350,000 annually, depending on company size, revenue, and your level of experience. Senior candidates with a track record in food distribution, CPG finance, or rapid-growth businesses may command salaries on the higher end of this spectrum.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

A substantial portion of your compensation will be tied to key performance indicators (KPIs) such as EBITDA growth, cost optimization, cash flow management, and inventory efficiency. Bonus structures typically range from 25% to 75% of the base salary, based on individual and company-wide financial outcomes.

As a strategic leader, the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor may be eligible for equity grants or profit-sharing arrangements that align your success with the long-term health of the business. These may include restricted stock units (RSUs), phantom equity, or ownership stakes, particularly in privately held or mission-driven companies.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

To reward sustainable value creation, many employers provide long-term incentive plans that vest over multiple years. These incentives are linked to the achievement of multi-year financial targets or milestone-based growth, ensuring a focus on stability and strategic foresight.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

As a member of the executive leadership team, you can expect a robust package of benefits, which often includes:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or executive retirement plans with company contributions
Paid time off and wellness incentives
Travel allowances or company vehicle options
Executive coaching or professional development stipends

6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Support

To secure top talent, some Whole Foods distributors offer signing bonuses and relocation assistance. These can range from $25,000 to $100,000+, especially for candidates relocating from other regions or with niche expertise in organic food distribution.

Total Compensation Outlook

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and additional benefits, the total annual compensation for a Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor can range from $300,000 to $700,000+, depending on company performance and your individual impact. In high-growth, mission-driven companies, this number may rise further through incentive payouts and equity appreciation.

How to Apply

If you are a results-oriented financial executive with a strong background in food distribution, natural products, or the CPG sector, we invite you to apply for the Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor role in Chicago, IL. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to drive strategic financial growth, enhance operational performance, and shape the financial future of a purpose-driven company.

To apply, please submit your updated resume and a tailored cover letter that highlights your experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), budgeting, accounting, cash flow management, supply chain finance, and strategic leadership. Be sure to emphasize your success in driving profitability, building efficient finance teams, and partnering cross-functionally to support growth in a values-based business environment.

This opportunity offers a dynamic career path for finance professionals who are passionate about sustainability, healthy living, and innovative distribution models. Apply today to take the next step in your executive journey as a Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor in Chicago, IL!

For more information or to explore similar executive finance opportunities, visit our Natural & Organic Food industry recruiters Page.

Job Category: Natural & Organic Food industry

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Chicago

Chief Financial Officer with a Whole Foods Distributor in Chicago, IL