Boston, MA | Hybrid | Full-Time | Significant Travel | Competitive Salary & Benefits
Company: Polkadog
Position: VP of Retail Sales
Reports To: CEO
Type: Full-time
Salary Range: Competitive executive compensation package, including base salary, performance-based bonus, and equity participation. Total target compensation expected is +/- $200,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
SUMMARY
Polkadog is a premium dog treat brand built in Boston, with a fiercely loyal following, a growing national retail footprint, and a product that buyers and store owners genuinely love to carry. At approximately $25 million in annual revenue, we are already on the shelves at Petco and have built meaningful relationships with PFX/Pet Food Express, Petsense, Hollywood Feed, The Paper Store, Orvis, and a network of independent pet specialty retailers. We have new products on the way, new markets in our sights, and a Petco relationship with significant room to grow. The foundation is real — and the opportunity in front of us is substantial.
We are looking for a VP of Retail Sales to join our leadership team and own the commercial engine that drives our retail growth. This is not a middle-management role — this person will have a seat at the table, a direct line to the CEO, and accountability for one of the most important growth levers in the business. You will lead a team of two, carry key relationships personally, set the strategy, travel to accounts and trade shows, and be the person in the room who knows how to close — whether that's with a Petco category manager or the owner of a beloved neighborhood pet shop.
WHAT YOU'LL OWN
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Own all retail sales across national accounts, regional chains, distributors, and the independent pet specialty channel — with P&L accountability for the channel
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Deepen and expand existing retail relationships — Petco, PFX/Pet Food Express, Petsense, Hollywood Feed, The Paper Store, Orvis, and beyond — while opening new doors aggressively
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Lead geographic expansion of our retail footprint, bringing Polkadog to new markets and new account types nationwide
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Manage, develop, and inspire a team of two sales professionals — setting targets, building their skills, and creating a high-performance sales culture
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Represent Polkadog at key trade shows and industry events, building relationships and generating pipeline that feeds long-term growth
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
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A proven retail sales leader with direct experience selling consumer brands into national and regional chains — pet specialty, grocery, lifestyle, or adjacent categories
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Someone equally comfortable negotiating with a major national buyer and building a relationship with an independent retailer — and who understands why both matter
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A track record of building and exceeding revenue targets, opening new accounts, and scaling existing ones
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Experience managing distributors and navigating the wholesale layer — you understand how product moves through the channel and how to make it move faster
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Willingness and enthusiasm for significant travel — to accounts, to trade shows, and to the markets where we are growing
WHY POLKADOG
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A genuine leadership role — a core seat on a small, high-performing executive team with real influence over the direction of the company
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A company with strong momentum, established retail partnerships, an expanding product portfolio, and significant opportunities for growth.
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The chance to build something — this channel has enormous runway and you will have the support, resources, and authority to go after it
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Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, hybrid flexibility, and a Boston home base at the heart of a brand on the rise
KEY TERMS
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Location: Headquartered in Boston; we prefer local candidates but are open to remote for the right person
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Compensation: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
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Bonus: Performance-based annual bonus tied to revenue and growth targets
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Equity: Upside participation available — this role is designed to reward the people who help build the value of this business
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
