Director of new Business Development

Last Updated: 12/05/2023

Manage existing relationships, cultivate new business in addition to meeting and exceeding sales goals within the selected food and ingredient market segment. The Director of New Business Development will work closely with cross functional teams such as Finance, Research and Development, Operations, Marketing and Project Management. Knowledge of Sweet and Savory Sauces is required along with strong relationships within the food industry.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate, present and influence key stakeholders at all levels of an organization, including executive and C-level in addition to Chefs, R&D, Purchasing and Marketing.

  • Must have a relationship driven sales mentality; passion to drive new business and create strong relationships.

  • Lead, manage & grow existing customer accounts, and establishes new accounts by prospecting, researching, planning and organizing daily work schedule to call on existing and potential sales outlets.

  • Maintains a high level of visibility at accounts to build strong, value-based relationships with key decision makers. Establish Company as the go-to, valued-thought partner in product development.

  • Strong understanding of Company’s core competencies to focus sales efforts on most profitable business by studying existing accounts to grow share on base business and researching market trends to widen breadth of customer and product base to expand share.

  • Keeps management informed by updating CRM and compiling call reports and monthly territory sales analyses.

  • Create and present professional presentations by working closely with R&D and marketing to meet customer expectations.

  • Understand customers’ needs and objectives to seek opportunities for alignment and partnership.

  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge, and knowledge of food industry trends and concerns, by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, attending trade shows and/or participating in professional societies.

  • Act as a liaison between customer and internal teams to ensure customer requirements are met.

  • Execute go to market strategies for new and existing products and customers

  • Responsible for utilizing the sales process and working independently to carry an opportunity all the way through the sales cycle from prospecting, to closing the sale.

  • Develop annual sales and expense budget to deliver desired territory results. Must be a self-starter.

  • Utilizes all available technology and the Customer Relationship Management software in daily routine.

  • Represents the company at trade association meetings, conventions and trade shows to promote Company.

  • Communicate and implement all price changes to all assigned customers by set timeline. 

Skills/Qualifications:

  • Proven work experience as an Account Manager, Key Account Manager, Sales Account Manager, Junior Account Manager or relevant role within the sweet and/or savory sauce category.

  • Customer Service, Meeting Sales Goals, Closing Skills, Territory Management, Prospecting Skills, Negotiation, Self-Confidence, Presentation Skills, Client Relationships, Motivation for Sales

  • Minimum 5 years food sales experience

  • Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

  • Possess a strong technical R&D knowledge or ingredient application background.

  • BA/BS in Business, Food Science or related field.

  • Ability to work remotely and independently as well as the capability to be coachable

  • Travel is required. TBD depending on customer interaction, living location and Company office visits.

  • This position can be remote but will need to have a strong presence at the Company offices to create Team engagement

Location: Chicagoland / Midwest

 

 
 
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