Director, Brand Portfolio Initiatives (Chicago)

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Join to apply for the Director, Brand Portfolio Initiatives role at Simple Mills

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Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is madecreating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, were a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company , and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Womens Health , and NPRs How I Built This . In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces , reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at

Role Description

The Director of Brand Portfolio Initiatives will lead enterprise-level, cross-category marketing projects that elevate Simple Mills equity and drive growth across all categories. This highly strategic and collaborative role will oversee initiatives including new brand campaigns, brand refresh efforts, price/pack architecture (PPA), and portfolio-level strategic planning. The Director will play a critical leadership role on the Marketing Leadership Team (MLT), helping shape team-wide prioritization, cross-functional alignment, and the brands future growth roadmap.

This position reports to the VP of Marketing and will be responsible for building and executing multi-year brand initiatives in partnership with the Category Brand Leads, Sales, Finance, Innovation, and Integrated Marketing.

• Lead cross-category initiatives such as masterbrand campaigns, brand refresh efforts, portfolio pricing/pack strategy (PPA), and customer-facing narratives that drive long-term brand equity and revenue growth.
• Develop and communicate a clear, insight-driven narrative for brand performance and portfolio-level initiatives to build alignment across internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Spearhead enterprise marketing planning and strategy, shaping portfolio-level frameworks that inform team prioritization, campaign sequencing, and investment allocation.
• Manage external agencies and strategic vendors in the development of portfolio-level marketing assets, ensuring executional excellence and strong ROI.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure master-brand strategies align with the Long-Range Plan and Annual Operating Plan; provide input into in-year forecast assumptions as they relate to cross-category efforts.
• Lead strategic, creative, and research efforts that strengthen brand equity and improve brand health metrics, in collaboration with cross-functional teams and agency partners.
• Identify and implement cross-functional process improvements that increase executional efficiency and elevate collaboration across Marketing, Sales, Innovation, and Integrated Marketing.
• Support a culture of curiosity, agility, and prioritization within the marketing team by contributing to strategic planning forums, cross-functional working sessions, and connection.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in brand marketing, with preference for CPG experience in food or natural products.
• Track record of leading brand campaigns and delivering business results.
• Strong analytical capability and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Experience in packaging development, new product launches, and commercialization processes.
• Entrepreneurial mindset. Appreciation for ambiguity. Ability to create structure and organization from scratch, creatively solve problems with incomplete information, and roll up sleeves
• Passion for building brands that make better food more accessible.
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Benefits of Working at Simple Mills

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills, were not just building a brandwere leading a movement thats transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If youre passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us?

• Be a Change-Maker

Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.

• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community

Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.

• A Workplace Where You Belong

We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.

• A Culture of Integrity and Impact

We dont just talk about doing goodwe live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.

• Grow with People-First Leadership

Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long-term success

Whether through hands-on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills, youll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If youre ready to shape the future of food, lets talk.

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Thats why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life.

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $195,000 to $205,000
• Performance-Based Bonuses: Eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance, calculated at the end of the fiscal year.
• Comprehensive Health & Financial Benefits: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan to support your long-term financial security.
• Work-Life Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to thrive both professionally and personally with unlimited PTO, Live Full Fridays (where afternoons are yours to recharge), and a three-week sabbatical after five years of servicebecause we believe your best work happens when you have the time to rest and refocus.
• Health & Wellness Perks: Lifestyle stipends and exclusive product perks to enhance your well-beingbecause your health and happiness matter.

Were committed to taking care of our peopleso you can focus on making an impact.

Our work model is role-dependent, and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• This position will be hybrid: a balance of in-person and virtual work. Hybrid employees will work from our Chicago, IL office at least once per week. When working remotely, employees must work from a designated location in the United States (the new hires permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) with sufficient internet access to support video conferencing. Safety protocols in accordance with CDC recommendations are followed.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected]

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Marketing

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Retail

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