Trade Development ManagerChicago, IL

Yerba Madre is looking for a Trade Development Manager (TDM) to play a critical role in expanding our reach and strengthening execution across our U.S. and international distribution network. This position sits at the heart of our Distribution team, which owns territory and channel expansion strategies, route-to-market planning, distribution partner (DP) management, and sales operations.

As a TDM, you'll be responsible for aligning with and executing against our commercial strategy and brand standards throughout the Distribution Partner Network. You'll bring value by leading business planning, driving flawless market execution, and ensuring Key Account programs are implemented effectively. Most importantly, you'll help bring Yerba Madre's brand to life in the trade - making sure our marketing mix resonates at every touchpoint.

Sales & Distribution Growth

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  Lead the annual Business Planning (BP) process with Distribution Partners to ensure alignment with Yerba Madre's priorities and expectations.

  
  
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  Conduct monthly and quarterly planning reviews to review performance against targets.

  
  
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  Manage shelf incentive programs in independents and collaborate with DP-managed Key Accounts.

  
  

Distributor & Account Management

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  Build and maintain strong relationships with distributor partners, key accounts, and retail decision-makers.

  
  
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  Act as the primary liaison between Yerba Madre's Key Account team and distributor partners, ensuring clear communication of priorities and seamless program execution.

  
  
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  Participate in DP sales meetings, deliver trainings, and conduct market visits to assess execution and create action plans.

  
  
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  Oversee DP performance, including sales volume, numeric distribution, new outlets, and in-store execution.

  
  

Data Analysis & Reporting

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  Analyze market and distributor depletion data to generate insights and support in-market tactics.

  
  
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  Provide recommendations to senior management to refine and optimize market strategies.

  
  

Trade Marketing & Activation

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  Manage Point of Sale (POS) materials, coolers, and equipment - forecasting, ordering, tracking, and delivery.

  
  
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  Ensure in-store brand standards and merchandising guidelines are implemented consistently across DP partners.

  
  

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  3+ years' experience in the CPG beverage industry.

  
  
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  Experience in a Direct Store Delivery (DSD) distribution environment.

  
  
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  Strong analytical ability to turn data into actionable insights.

  
  
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  Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and DP reporting systems (VIP preferred).

  
  
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  Ability to influence decision-makers and lead business reviews confidently.

  
  
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  Skilled at coaching and training others on brand standards and sales execution.

  
  

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  Build Strong Partnerships - Cultivate trusted relationships with distributor partners, retailers, and the Key Account team.

  
  
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  Execute with Excellence - Deliver on trade programs with accuracy and consistency.

  
  
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  Be Data-Driven - Leverage reports and analytics to identify opportunities and track results.

  
  
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  Drive Brand Visibility - Secure product placement, merchandising, and promotional support.

  
  
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  Communicate Effectively - Act as a proactive liaison across teams and partners.

  
  
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  Stay Agile - Adapt quickly to market and competitive dynamics.

  
  
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  Demonstrate Leadership - Take ownership, act with accountability, and inspire collaboration.

  
  

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  Travel: Less than 10%.

  
  
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  Work at a computer for extended periods (data entry and typing required).

  
  
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  Ability to manage and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.

  
  

What we offer:

Yerba Madre-formerly Guayaki Yerba Mate-is the nearly 30-year pioneer of regenerative yerba mate [yer-bah ma-tay] and the category leader in ready-to-drink mate beverages across North America. The name Yerba Madre, meaning "Mother Herb," is a tribute to Mother Earth and the ancestral wisdom of the Indigenous communities who have cultivated yerba mate for generations -a reflection of the values the brand has championed since day one.

Headquartered in Sebastopol and Venice, California, Yerba Madre sources organic, shade-grown yerba mate in direct partnership with 255 family farmers and Indigenous communities across Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Using its Market Driven Regeneration model, every purchase helps reforest the Atlantic Forest, support fair trade premiums, and build long-term economic resilience for grower communities.

In 2025, the brand became the world's first yerba mate to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified Gold status-setting a new global standard for ecological integrity, cultural respect, and environmental restoration.

As an original founding member of the B Corp community and a founding member of the Purpose Pledge, Yerba Madre is committed to ethical business practices across ten key pillars, including climate positivity, living wages, circularity, and inclusion. Yerba Madre is available in over 45,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, visit www.YerbaMadre.com.