VP, Private Label Business Development – Commercialization

Covetrus

VP in charge of private label business development at Covetrus. Driving growth and innovative product development to enhance veterinary services and outcomes.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeDenver • Colorado, Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute a multi-year private label roadmap aligned to revenue growth, margin expansion, and enterprise value creation.
Identify whitespace and growth opportunities across priority categories, including pharmaceuticals/Rx (inclusive of compounded products under 503A and 503B frameworks), surgical supplies, wound care, and nutritionals/supplements.
Build and manage a scalable innovation pipeline, including new product development, sourcing, reformulation, and brand extensions.
Establish and maintain clear brand architecture and positioning for Covetrus Brand, ensuring market credibility, consistency, and differentiation.
Partner with Category Management to embed private label into category strategies, pricing models, and assortment planning.
Develop and manage a high-performing supplier ecosystem, including manufacturers, 503A and 503B compounding partners, and sourcing vendors.
Lead contract negotiations and cost optimization initiatives to ensure competitive COGS and sustainable margins.
Oversee supplier onboarding and compliance in partnership with Regulatory and Quality teams, ensuring adherence to FDA, veterinary product standards, and applicable compounding regulations.
Implement supplier performance management practices including scorecards, QBRs, and risk mitigation strategies.
Lead end-to-end commercialization of private label products, including positioning, naming, packaging, labeling, and regulatory coordination.
Ensure channel readiness across Sales, eCommerce, and Distribution.
Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Digital teams to drive adoption, conversion from national brands, field enablement, and promotional execution.
Define and track core commercialization KPIs, including time-to-market, launch performance, attach rates, and customer adoption.
Own the private label P&L, including revenue growth, margin performance, and cost management.
Develop annual operating plans and forecasts aligned to enterprise targets.
Monitor portfolio performance and proactively address risks related to supply chain, competition, and pricing dynamics.
Deliver insights and recommendations to senior leadership to inform investment, prioritization, and portfolio decisions.
Serve as the central connector across Commercial, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Finance, and Marketing to ensure aligned execution.
Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on private label opportunities, risks, and market trends.
Build strong partnerships with Sales leadership to ensure field alignment and execution consistency.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team with a focus on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
10+ years of experience in private label, product management, category management, sourcing, or brand development.
Proven track record of scaling private label or proprietary product portfolios within distribution, health and wellness, healthcare, animal health, or related industries.
Strong experience in product commercialization and go-to-market execution.
Demonstrated success managing supplier relationships and complex negotiations.
Solid understanding of financial drivers, including margin, pricing, and portfolio mix, with the ability to influence P&L outcomes.
Experience operating effectively in matrixed, high-growth environments.
Exposure to regulated product categories preferred — particularly pharmaceuticals/Rx, veterinary compounding under 503A and 503B frameworks, nutraceuticals, or medical/surgical supplies.
Strong executive communication, stakeholder management, and people leadership capabilities.

Benefits

Comp & perks

401k savings & company match
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Maternity leave
Parental leave
Military leave
Other leaves of absence
Health, dental, and vision benefits
Health savings accounts
Flexible spending accounts
Life & disability benefits
Identity theft protection
Pet insurance
Certain positions may include eligibility for a short-term incentive plan

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

product managementcategory managementsourcingbrand developmentproduct commercializationgo-to-market executionsupplier relationship managementcontract negotiationfinancial analysisportfolio management

Soft Skills

executive communicationstakeholder managementpeople leadershipteam developmentstrategic advisingaccountabilityinnovationcontinuous improvement

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeMBA or advanced degree