Job Overview:

The Business Development Manager will develop, lead and execute strategies and tactics to grow Brands+ sales profitably for our customers and for UNFI.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

Manage the Brands+ portfolio across an assigned account list covering assigned Brands+ portfolio which may consist of natural products, conventional products, or both.

·       Collaborate with regional sales and merchandising teams, other UNFI partners, and brokers to develop strategies and deliver against sales and service goals

·       Field customer and account team questions, resolve issues and communicate opportunities in a proactive and timely manner

·       Provide recommendations to improve the Brands+ portfolio, programs, and processes with the goal of delivering continuous exceptional customer service

Investigate and develop incremental sales opportunities:

·       Discover and build sales proposals around voids, promotions, displays, events, seasonal plays, shippers/pallets and more

·       Create business plans and meet with customers in office, online and in stores to build consensus

·       Build excitement for and execute new item distribution goals

·       Support all requests from market development teams to land and launch new customer affiliations

·       Utilize sales team incentives as available

Oversee regional sales budget

·       Support the budget build with customer-specific goals and strategies, expense targets, and sales-driving investment needs

·       Ensure sales-driving spend meets ROI goals and is net positive for the growth of the business

·       Manage expenses according to goals and company policies

Team responsibilities

·       Participation in team meetings and calls and sharing of ideas and strategies for benefit of total team

·       Recap wins and manage opportunities regularly utilizing all the tools required by UNFI and leadership

·       Complete required trainings as directed

·       Educate, train and lead UNFI teams and partners so that they are equipped to prioritize and drive Brands+ sales

·       Provide necessary support at customer events, trade shows, and leadership meetings, which may include travel

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field, or equivalent experience

Experience:

·       Three to five years of sales experience (food industry and/or private brands preferred)

·       Proven ability to successfully develop and execute growth strategies in a business environment

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Ability to communicate, negotiate and present professionally at all levels to achieve results

·       Cross-functional leadership skills that motivate associates and customers to act

·       Standard Office suite of computer programs, plus willingness to learn UNFI applications as needed

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (major):

·       Travel is required up to 30% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

·       Woodstock Farms: Ability to work in an environment containing tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, sesame, milk and different spices like pepper, chili, etc.