Manager, Channel Operations at Hickory Farms LLC – Chicago, Illinois

Company Overview:

Since 1951, Hickory Farms has connected people with savory flavors to share and send. Our specialty cured meats and cheeses are available for purchase online, in catalogs, in leading mass merchants and supermarkets, and in seasonal retail locations in the US and Canada.

Hickory Farms is a privately held company with nearly 75 years of delivering quality, well-loved food gifts and charcuterie essentials. Every member of our nimble, dynamic team makes an impact every day in a high-energy, results-driven culture.

Our Values lead the way. They are: The customer is our focus. Integrity and respect. We own it. Everyone has a place at the table. We embrace change. We savor the journey together.

Position Overview:

The Manager, Channel Operations, is responsible for leading operational execution across Hickory Farms’ Wholesale sales channel. This role ensures the operational infrastructure supporting revenue channels is efficient, accurate, and scalable, enabling sales teams to focus on growth and customer relationships.

This position owns channel execution processes, including forecasting coordination, inventory alignment, pricing governance, item setup workflows, and operational readiness. The role serves as the central operational leader connecting Sales, Operations, Demand Planning, Finance, Product Development, and IT.

The Manager, Channel Operations, will focus on improving operational efficiency, reducing execution risk, and building scalable processes that support continued channel growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - include but are not limited to the following:

Channel Operations Execution:

• Own operational execution across the Wholesale channel
• Ensure orders flow efficiently from customer agreement through fulfillment
• Identify operational risks and proactively develop mitigation plans
• Serve as primary operational partner to Sales leadership
• Establish clear ownership of execution tasks across support teams

Forecasting & Inventory Coordination:

• Consolidate channel forecasts and coordinate with Demand Planning
• Monitor sales performance versus forecast and identify risks
• Partner with Supply Chain to ensure inventory supports channel needs
• Identify inventory risks related to customer programs and seasonal demand
• Improve forecast accuracy through structured processes and reporting

Systems & Process Governance:

• Own governance of item setup processes across customer and partner systems
• Ensure pricing accuracy across channels in coordination with Finance and IT
• Establish standard workflows for product launches and assortment updates
• Improve data accuracy across systems impacting channel execution
• Develop SOPs to standardize channel execution processes

Operational Readiness & Execution:

• Ensure new programs and customers are operationally ready prior to launch
• Coordinate cross-functional readiness for seasonal programs
• Identify execution gaps and drive resolution
• Improve internal coordination between Sales, Operations, and Planning teams
• Establish operational timelines and accountability for channel initiatives

Operational Problem Resolution

• Own resolution of operational execution issues impacting customers
• Identify root causes of recurring issues and implement corrective actions
• Partner with internal teams to resolve pricing, inventory, or fulfillment challenges
• Serve as an escalation point for channel execution issues

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Sales to ensure operational alignment for customer programs
• Collaborate with Product Development on operational requirements for new items
• Work with Finance on pricing governance and deductions processes
• Partner with IT on systems impacting channel execution
• Work with Operations teams to support accurate fulfillment execution

Educational and/or Work Experience Qualifications:

• 5–8 years’ experience in Sales Operations, Channel Operations, Supply Chain coordination, or Commercial Operations
• Experience supporting CPG, wholesale, ecommerce, or retail sales organizations preferred
• Strong process improvement and operational problem-solving skills
• Strong cross-functional leadership experience
• Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail
• Experience working with ERP systems (D365 preferred)
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Must be able to complete the “essential job functions” with “reasonable accommodations” and meet all the mandatory qualifications under the ADA guidelines.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to perform essential physical activities such as lifting, climbing, standing, stooping, or typing.
• Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.

Hickory Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Compensation: $80,000 – $92,000 annually

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick time, and holidays)
• Flexible/hybrid work schedule
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Paid parental leave
• Employee discounts and perks

This is a hybrid role.