Business Development Manager
Description
The Business Development Manager is responsible for expanding business by prospecting, developing, and managing potential new customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background and demonstrated experience in selling to large and medium size companies across the Food & Beverage industry.
Candidates should have strong communication skills, self-motivation, excellent organization skills, experience in presenting to corporations and C-Suite level employees, as well as the ability to manage projects and customers in an evolving industry landscape. Applicants should be available to travel up to 75%.
Duties/Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):
- Research and identify new business opportunities – including new markets, growth areas, trends, customers, partnerships, or services.
- Attends trade shows / networking activities to research and connect with prospective clients.
- Proactively maintains an ongoing knowledge of industry, existing and target channel accounts, and competitive landscapes.
- Develops and executes strategic plans to achieve sales targets and expand the customer base.
- Builds and maintains strong, long-lasting customer relationships.
- Works toward increasing sales growth at an established rate determined by this individual and Sales Manager.
- Works strategically with key prospects and customers to keep them informed of industry/flavor trends, new flavor opportunities and key areas of growth that can help support through flavor development and formulation.
- Monitors existing accounts and regularly communicates with primary contacts for the account.
- Understands the needs of customers and responds effectively with a plan of how to meet those needs.
- Possesses an in-depth knowledge of each account/channel and what drives their success.
Requirements
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to build and maintain business relationships with clients.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent project management and leadership skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Ability to multitask and complete work while traveling.
- Thorough knowledge of territory, market, and clients.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Organized with attention to detail.
- Experience and comfortability presenting alone in front of potential client executives.
Education and Experience:
- Four-year college degree in business and/or procurement (or equivalent) required.
- At least four years of outside sales experience required, preferably in the Food & Beverage industry.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to travel daily and spend most of the day in a vehicle.
- Valid driver’s license and no major driving violations.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.