Job Description

Our client is a leading Fresh Produce / CPG company with a premium / branded product line. They are looking to hire a Business Development Manager for the New York Metro, Mid-Atlantic area, to build and expand their branded business by developing existing customers and new business opportunities. The BDM will need to plan, direct, and execute their brand and product strategies with a tailored approach to build customer loyalty. Collaboratively works with and advises their supervisor in the development of new and existing sales to achieve planned sales growth, profit margin, and market share. This position will interface closely with the customer leadership group.

Essential Job Functions

• Engage with multiple levels of decision makers at accounts
• Proactively manage existing customers and rigorously identify and target all new business opportunities, develop customer specific engagement plans and overcome objections
• Execute retail store merchandising plans to maximize in-store presence and sales
• Utilize internal and third-party data to monitor account performance and develop specific business reviews for customer presentation
• Maintain thought leadership by monitoring changing business and market trends, consumer shifts, attending trade shows and conducting competitive reviews
• Prepare written and oral reports for company meetings and for internal communication
• Responsible for maximizing the marketing spend and execution of customer specific marketing plans
• Manage and monitor approved marketing activity
• Interface with business management, trade marketing, and supply chain to convert customer opportunities
• Effectively develops broker and team member execution and capabilities where applicable

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Comprehensive broker management
• Future potential exists for additional direct team members based on geographical growth

Business Acumen

• Has business knowledge and skills pertaining to current sales practices, trends, and information affecting the industry. Knows the competition and is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from 4-year college/university
• Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in sales or equivalent combination of education and experience (experience in grocery industry preferred)
• Thorough knowledge of the company’s markets, products, sales approach and production process
• Requires an extensive understanding and/or experience in the development of existing customers and prospecting new customers and retail store execution, extensive computer skills area must (Microsoft Office Suite, Neilson / IRI translation)
• Must be able to collect and analyze data
• Experience managing Wakefern or Ahold divisions is highly preferred
• Must be a self-starter with strong personal discipline, commitment & accountability along with a positive attitude and results-driven approach.
• 30% travel required
• Ability and capability to travel by car & air
• A valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required

Please contact Nathan Stornetta, nathan@producecareers.com