Business Development Manager - Brands+ - Remote in Twin Cities, MN

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:

Manage the Brands+ portfolio across an assigned account list covering both natural and conventional business (50%)

• 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 (30%)

• 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 (10%)

• 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 (10%)

• 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 relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience:

• 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

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Position is 100% remote
• Travel as needed to support customers and deliver against goals, typically up to 25%
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment; though some work will be necessary in stores or at shows requiring the ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at 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.
• May use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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