Role Overview for Chief Growth Officer – CPG – Minneapolis, MN
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, is proud to partner with a dynamic and innovative high-growth consumer packaged goods (CPG) company in their search for a visionary Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Based in the vibrant business hub of Minneapolis, MN, this executive will be a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to architect and execute the growth engine of a beloved brand poised for exponential expansion. The CGO will be the single point of accountability for driving sustainable, profitable revenue growth by holistically integrating and leading the company’s marketing, sales, product innovation, and customer experience functions.
We are seeking a transformative leader who can blend strategic foresight with executional excellence. The ideal candidate is a seasoned CPG executive with a proven track record of scaling brands, capturing market share, and building high-performing, cross-functional teams. You will be responsible for crafting the overarching growth strategy, identifying new avenues for expansion—including new markets, channels, and product categories—and ensuring that all commercial activities are aligned with the company’s long-term vision and financial objectives. This role demands a deep understanding of the modern consumer, a passion for data-driven decision-making, and the ability to inspire a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organization. If you are a results-oriented leader ready to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Growth Officer – CPG – Minneapolis, MN
The Chief Growth Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, with responsibilities spanning strategy, execution, and leadership across all growth-related functions.
Strategic Growth & Visionary Leadership
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year growth strategy that aligns with the company’s mission and financial goals, ensuring sustainable and profitable expansion.
- Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify emerging consumer trends, competitive threats, and untapped market opportunities within the dynamic and rapidly evolving consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
- Lead the annual strategic planning process for all commercial functions, setting ambitious yet achievable goals and KPIs for sales, marketing, and innovation teams.
- Champion a ‘consumer-first’ mindset throughout the organization, ensuring all strategies and initiatives are grounded in deep consumer insights and data analytics.
- Evaluate and pursue strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and potential M&A opportunities to accelerate growth and expand the company’s market footprint.
Marketing & Brand Management
- Oversee the entire marketing organization, including brand strategy, digital marketing, performance marketing, public relations, social media, and creative services.
- Evolve and strengthen the brand’s positioning, equity, and messaging to resonate with target consumers and differentiate it in a crowded marketplace.
- Develop and manage the marketing budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to drive the highest possible ROI on marketing spend.
- Lead the digital transformation of marketing efforts, leveraging data analytics, CRM, and marketing automation to create personalized and effective customer journeys.
- Drive a robust content and communications strategy that enhances brand awareness, builds community, and supports commercial objectives across all channels.
Sales & Commercial Excellence
- Provide strategic leadership to the national sales team, driving revenue growth across all key channels, including Grocery, Mass, Club, Natural, and E-commerce/D2C.
- Develop and implement innovative channel strategies to maximize distribution, velocity, and profitability.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners, distributors, and other strategic commercial stakeholders.
- Establish a rigorous sales operating rhythm, including forecasting, pipeline management, and performance tracking, to ensure the team meets or exceeds its targets.
- Collaborate with the finance and operations teams on trade spend optimization, pricing strategies, and demand planning to ensure commercial effectiveness and profitability.
Innovation & Product Development
- Partner closely with the R&D and Operations teams to lead the product innovation pipeline from ideation to commercialization.
- Utilize market data and consumer insights to identify promising new product opportunities and extensions that align with the brand’s core strategy.
- Oversee the go-to-market strategy for all new product launches, ensuring seamless execution and successful sell-in with retail partners.
- Foster a culture of innovation that encourages creative thinking and rapid prototyping to stay ahead of market trends.
Requirements for the Chief Growth Officer – CPG – Minneapolis, MN
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in the CPG industry, with a strong background in marketing and/or sales. At least 5 years of experience in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., VP, SVP, General Manager) with significant P&L responsibility.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrated success in scaling a CPG brand, driving significant revenue growth, and building high-performing teams. Experience in both large, established CPG companies and smaller, high-growth environments is highly desirable.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Strategic Acumen
Exceptional ability to think strategically and translate broad concepts into actionable, results-driven plans. Expertise in market analysis, strategic planning, and business development.
Commercial Expertise
Deep knowledge of the North American retail landscape, including established relationships with key buyers and decision-makers across major channels. Proven expertise in sales strategy, trade marketing, and joint business planning.
Modern Marketing Skills
Mastery of modern marketing principles, including brand building, digital marketing, performance analytics, and consumer insights. Experience leveraging a full-funnel marketing approach to drive both brand equity and sales.
Leadership Qualities
An inspirational and collaborative leader with a low ego. Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and motivate top talent. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial metrics, P&L management, budgeting, and forecasting. Must be data-driven and analytical, with a focus on measuring and improving ROI.
Location
Must be currently based in or willing to relocate to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity to share in the value you help create.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A budget for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continued learning to support your professional growth.
Additional Perks
Employee discounts on company products, wellness programs, and a vibrant, collaborative, and mission-driven company culture.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. To express your interest in this Chief Growth Officer opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
We encourage you to learn more about our expertise in this space by visiting our Consumer Goods Executive Search Practice page. We look forward to connecting with transformative leaders who are ready to drive the next chapter of growth for this exciting CPG company.
