Business Development Manager, Food Manufacturing- Retail (East Coast) at Griffith Foods in Lombard, Illinois

Job Description:

Job Title: Business Development Manager, Food Manufacturing- Retail

Location: East Coast

Purpose of the Position

The BDM – Food Manufacturing/ Retail Sales is responsible for achieving sales objectives outlined in the annual budget. The BDM manages planning and execution against volume, distribution and pricing objectives and is instrumental in initiating and developing significant volume at targeted accounts in their respective region, with a focus on Food Processors, Assemblers, Commissary, and Retail Grocery Chains/Home Meal Solution customers.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Sales/Volume Execution

Achieve/exceed sales & profit goals for current & target customers in respective territory.

Execute a sales strategy that promotes a balanced product mix and healthy margin management.

Market Execution

Manage a territory & budget to effectively deliver to company operating plan.

Effectively monitor & proactively address competitive activity.

Allocate time and company resources to ensure the greatest return while maintaining personal expense budget.

Strategic Planning

Develop long range strategic plans, blending customer goals & Custom Culinary® initiatives to ensure alignment, customer growth and delivery to annual budget.

Set and deliver on personal performance goals.

Customer Partnership

• Align Custom Culinary® sustainability strategy, purpose and values with key customers and targets to develop long term strategy.


• Act as a resource for customers, connecting industry information back to the customer in a clear, collaborative approach.


• Leverage marketing, company training and development tools to uncover value for your customers and solidify partnerships focused on mutual success.


• Effectively negotiate and close deals.

Project Management

• Utilize organizational savvy to navigate various areas of business internally, championing projects on customer’s behalf, providing necessary detail for long term success and building relationships.


• Complete all training defined and available for role.


• Administrative Tasks


• Effectively manage administrative responsibilities, which include CRM utilization, information requests, trade spend tool, G2, forecasting, sales reports, etc.


• Must possess strong computer skills including MS Office products.

Knowledge and Experience

• College degree required.


• 5+ years experience as a sales representative for a food manufacturing company.


• Retail Deli/Fresh Food experience helpful.


• Proven experience in building and maintaining business relationships.


• Excellent communication: verbal, written and virtual selling skills.


• Interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of individuals and functional areas within the company and outside the company.


• Excellent listening and learning skills


• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced and dynamic team environment


• Strong negotiation skills


• Desire to grow and take on new challenges and opportunities including development (on-line, or through sponsored programs).


• Culinary Acumen – knowledge of food/taste trends. Basic food preparation and presentation knowledge