Retail Media Strategist

Company: Riverside Natural Foods Ltd.
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 21, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun. We're on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you'll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that's what makes the journey worthwhile. So, lace up your boots and let's tackle the climb together. You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com. The Role We're hiring a Retail Media Strategist to support the growth of MadeGood in the U.S. market across major retail media networks (RMNs) including Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, Instacart, Amazon, Kroger/Albertsons, and others. This role is focused exclusively on the U.S. market, supporting MadeGood's growth across key RMNs and leading our shift from tactical execution to a more strategic, data-informed, performance-driven approach. You will manage and execute select RMN campaigns directly, while also partnering closely with our external agency to oversee additional networks, analyze performance, and drive continuous optimization and learning. This hybrid structure allows the Strategist to retain internal ownership of key decisions and strategic direction while leveraging the agency's tools, data, and cross-retailer expertise. You'll collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Brand, Shopper Marketing, Creative, Finance, and our external agency to ensure that our media investments deliver against both short-term priorities and long-term growth ambitions. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of Retail Media at Riverside during a period of rapid expansion. Primary Responsibilities Retail Media Strategy & Planning Build retailer-specific RMN media plans that align with brand objectives, sales priorities, and shopper opportunities. Translate business context (distribution, promotions, innovation, OOS risk) into thoughtful media recommendations. Support the annual planning process, including budget development and KPI setting. Campaign Management & Agency Partnership Directly manage campaign setup, execution, and optimization for select RMNs. Partner with the external agency to co-manage additional RMNs - reviewing plans, providing business context, and approving optimizations. Develop clear, concise creative briefs across retail media formats ensuring assets are aligned to retailer requirements and brand standards. Coordinate with Creative and Brand on asset development needs, timelines, and retailer-specific requirements. Ensure flawless trafficking, accurate targeting, budget pacing, and smooth campaign launches across all retailer platforms. Collaborate with retailer media teams (e.g., Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, Amazon Ads, Instacart Ads) as needed to understand capabilities, troubleshoot issues, and stay informed on platform best practices. Help establish consistent processes, reporting cadences, and learning loops across internal teams, agency partners, and RMNs. Analytics & Performance Insights Review agency dashboards and platform data to extract insights and identify optimization opportunities. Produce recurring performance summaries and "so what" insights for internal stakeholders. Track budget pacing, reallocate spend as needed, and reconcile invoices with Finance. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Sales and Shopper Marketing to connect RMN plans with customer priorities and in-store activity. Partner with Brand and Creative on messaging, asset needs, and content development for RMN placements. Prepare performance summaries and insights to support retailer conversations Market, Competitor & RMN Trend Tracking Stay up to date on RMN platform updates, algorithm changes, new formats, and marketplace developments. Monitor competitor activity and identify emerging tactics, benchmarks, and opportunities. Bring proactive recommendations to evolve RMN approach as the landscape shifts. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field. 3–5 years of experience in Retail Media, eCommerce marketing, digital media buying, or performance media. Hands-on experience managing or optimizing campaigns within major RMNs (e.g., Walmart Connect, Roundel, Instacart, Amazon Ads). Strong analytical capability with comfort navigating performance dashboards, KPIs, and pacing/budget data. Experience collaborating with or managing an external agency or platform partner. Proficiency with Excel/Sheets and familiarity with RMN or paid media management tools (e.g., Pacvue). Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple campaigns and timelines. Comfort balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution and partner oversight. Essential Skills Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business needs into effective retail media plans. Analytical and insight-driven, able to draw clear conclusions from data and communicate "so what" recommendations. Detail-oriented and organized, ensuring accuracy in campaign setup, trafficking, and reporting. Strong communicator, able to collaborate effectively with Sales, Brand, Shopper Marketing, Creative, and agency partners. Proactive and resourceful, comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. Growth mindset, eager to learn from agency expertise, retailer updates, and emerging retail media trends. Ability to influence and build trust with cross-functional partners and external vendors. Please note this role is an existing vacancy. Salary Range $90,000—$115,000 USD At Riverside, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation and job posting practices. The range above reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. Exact compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education, and training, as well as other organizational needs, while balancing internal equity. What we expect: Values-led: You'll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life's too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don't enjoy the journey. Unparalleled experiences and opportunities : We're still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we'll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast! – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we're okay with that, as long as we're staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way. Access to everyone: We're a flat organization with few silos which means you'll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don't be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn't – like the plant, or the boardroom. Personal development : We'll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress. Gratitude : As a growing business, we can't always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we're all in this together and we value you. What We Offer: Values-led: We don't cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit. There is no winning at all costs here. Every step you take must align with our values, no compromises. Courageous determination: As a family-run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren't obvious or easy. You must be willing to try, ask and answer challenging questions, test and learn, turn over every stone, keep moving forward and help us find a way through. Resourcefulness and grit will be your constant companions at Riverside and will serve you well. Humility: We're a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks. We know the products we offer are some of the healthiest and most sustainable, but we don't brag about it, and know we have a steep path ahead. We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high-quality products. There isn't one superstar at Riverside. We take turns leading the way as we climb to the summit. Continuous improvement: As a learn-as-we-go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch to make it better, more efficient, more sustainable, and more endearing to customers, consumers, employees, vendors, partners and the community. We own our mistakes and learn from them as we wind our way to the top. Wait! There's more! Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs! RRSP matching or 401k matching for an empowered financial journey Eligibility to participate in Riverside's Profit Sharing Plan Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ rights Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program An open concept work environment that embodies our Values How to Apply: If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button! Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Disclaimer: As part of our recruitment process, we may use technology-assisted tools, including automated systems, to support the review and assessment of applications. These tools do not make final hiring decisions. All decisions related to screening, interviewing, and selection are made by our Talent Acquisition and hiring teams.

Keywords: Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., Crystal Lake , Retail Media Strategist, PR / Public Relations , Chicago, Illinois