Position OverviewThe Business Development Manager is responsible for developing profitable customer relationships and expanding market share through strategic account management and targeted business development activities. This role works closely with sales leadership and cross-functional teams to identify growth opportunities, improve customer engagement, and support overall sales performance.
Essential Responsibilities- Manages and develops customer profitability through a high level of interaction with designated accounts and demonstrates industry expertise in creating a framework for delivery of services.
- Work aggressively in the identification of and active solicitation of competitors' top-level customers.
- Ensures customer satisfaction through the development of a relationship-focused culture.
- Promotes sales and gross profit growth, market penetration, account profitability, and customer satisfaction while communicating prospective and existing customers' comments and needs to senior management representatives.
- Demonstrates new products, ideas, and promotional items to target accounts.
- Ensures customers' needs are met by facilitating a continuous flow of information to all appropriate levels of staff and company representatives.
- Assists in providing Relationship Manager training to sales force personnel through active coaching and identification of learning opportunities.
- Coordinates monthly sales meetings in conjunction with the Sales Department.
- Educates Sales Representatives, Marketing Associates, and Customer Service staff on customer needs and provides value-added solutions through products, services, tools, and information that meet their business needs.
- Maintains working knowledge of internet sales programs, Master Distribution Agreements, company proprietary software and hardware, sales analysis reports, and company policies and procedures.
- Integrates development activities with marketing programs such as customer plant visits and brand promotions and coordinates efforts with Marketing Associates regarding procedures, policies, credit, product knowledge, and selling skills.
- Works with Sales Representatives in the field to observe job performance and provide analysis and feedback to enhance performance.
- Communicates accurate information to supervisors and sales managers regarding prospective customer needs.
- Attends required meetings and sales functions.
- Plans and coordinates monthly sales meetings in conjunction with the Sales Department.
- Plans, organizes, and provides oversight for annual company trade shows.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to meet fixed deadlines and manage responsibilities under pressure.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build and deliver professional presentations.
- Ability to create, write, and edit composed materials and documentation.
- Strong computer application skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Willingness to travel frequently.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in marketing or a related discipline.
- Five or more years of job-related experience, preferably within a food distribution environment.
- Strong knowledge of sales techniques.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Mon - Fri | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
