Executive Recruitment for Consumer Packaged Goods Companies
Executives who can navigate brand management, retail relationships, and supply chain complexity
We Know CPG
Consumer packaged goods is one of the most competitive industries in the world. CPG executives must simultaneously manage powerful retail partners, build brand equity with consumers, optimize complex supply chains, and deliver consistent financial results — all in an environment of rapid change driven by private label, e-commerce, and shifting consumer preferences.
At Osborne Search Partners, we recruit senior executives for CPG companies of all sizes — from emerging brands with $20M in revenue to established companies with hundreds of SKUs and national distribution. We understand the unique demands of the CPG world: the power dynamics of grocery retail, the importance of trade spend effectiveness, the brand-building disciplines, and the supply chain rigour required to service major retailers.
Whether you are a food and beverage company, a personal care brand, a household products business, or a specialty consumer goods company, we have the network and expertise to find the right executive leader for your organization.
Roles We Fill in CPG
CEO / President
Strategic leaders who can build CPG brands, manage retail partner relationships, allocate resources across the portfolio, and drive profitable growth.
COO / VP Operations
Operational executives who manage manufacturing, co-packing relationships, supply chain planning, and logistics to service retail customers efficiently.
VP / General Manager of Marketing
Brand-building executives who manage advertising, consumer promotion, digital marketing, and innovation pipelines for CPG brands.
VP / National Sales Manager
Sales leaders who manage relationships with major grocery, drug, and mass retailers — driving distribution, shelf placement, and promotional execution.
VP / Director of Supply Chain
Supply chain executives who manage demand planning, procurement, co-manufacturing, and logistics to optimize service levels and cost.
VP / Director of Category Management
Category management leaders who use data and insights to help retail partners grow categories — building strategic relationships in the process.
Why Industry Knowledge Matters
CPG is a data-driven industry. Executives who are skilled at using Nielsen, IRI, or Circana data to identify trends and opportunities make smarter commercial decisions.
Retail execution is the difference between a brand that wins on shelf and one that gets delisted. Leaders who have managed field sales teams and merchandising programs protect distribution.
Innovation is the lifeblood of CPG. Executives who have managed the full stage-gate process — from consumer insight to shelf — drive sustainable revenue growth.
Trade spend in CPG is often 20-30% of gross revenue. Leaders who optimize trade investment through rigorous ROI analysis and joint business planning protect margins.
E-commerce and DTC have created new growth channels for CPG brands. Executives who have built e-commerce capabilities and DTC business models unlock new revenue streams.
Private label pressure from retailers requires CPG executives who can build genuine brand equity and consumer loyalty that justifies a premium over store brands.
Key Leadership Challenges in CPG
Retail Consolidation & Power
As retail consolidates, buyers have more leverage. CPG executives must build genuine partnerships — backed by strong consumer data — to maintain shelf space.
Private Label Competition
Retailer private label continues to gain share. CPG leaders must invest in brand building, innovation, and quality to defend branded positions.
Supply Chain Complexity
Servicing major retailers with 99%+ fill rates requires sophisticated demand planning, co-packer management, and logistics coordination.
Cost of Goods Inflation
Input cost inflation — from commodities to packaging to freight — requires executives who can manage cost structures and selectively pass through price increases.
Consumer Insight & Innovation
Rapidly changing consumer preferences require CPG companies to innovate faster. Leaders who can shorten time-to-market sustain relevance.
E-Commerce & DTC
Building e-commerce capability alongside traditional trade channels requires executives who understand digital marketing, fulfilment, and online retail economics.
One-Year, No-Fault, Full Replacement Guarantee
We are so confident in our process that we offer a one-year, no-fault, full replacement guarantee on every executive we place. If it doesn't work out for any reason, we'll conduct a replacement search at no additional fee.
Ready to Find Your Next CPG Executive?
From CEO to VP of Sales to Director of Marketing, we recruit the CPG leaders who build brands, win at retail, and drive profitable growth. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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