Business Development Manager

Job Purpose: The Territory Sales Representative is responsible for driving sales growth and expanding market share within an assigned territory. This role builds and maintains strategic relationships with chefs, restauranteurs, foodservice operators, and retail customers. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of culinary trends, sourcing, and seasonality, and delivers value-added solutions tailored to discerning customers.

• Plan and execute a weekly road and sales schedule based on buyer availability to maximize efficiency, sales, and customer service (goal: minimum of 10 customer visits per day, with one in-office workday per week).
• Align personal sales goals with company objectives and client-specific targets, including budget and margin goals.
• Prepare for each customer visit by reviewing account history and needs; utilize a consultative sales approach to secure new menu placements through product sampling and customized sales presentations.
• Grow existing accounts and generate new business through upselling, cold calls, referrals, and new product placements.
• Open a minimum of three (3) new accounts per month and grow the overall customer base by at least 5% annually.
• Submit customer orders accurately and in a timely manner to avoid production overload.
• Review orders for accuracy in date, quantity, margin, and drop size while meeting company performance goals.
• Build trust and accountability through consistent follow-up via in-person visits, phone calls, emails, and text communication.
• Identify customer needs and provide weekly solutions through continuous upselling across all product categories.
• Communicate customer orders, special requests, and changes effectively with purchasing, processing, warehouse, logistics, and customer service teams.
• Coordinate closely with the logistics team to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Proactively notify customers of product shortages prior to business hours and offer alternative solutions.
• Attend company meetings, industry events, and association functions as assigned; provide feedback through weekly reporting.
• Collaborate with marketing to manage customer contact lists for email campaigns and promotional outreach.
• Maintain accurate and timely sales reporting in the company CRM, including daily visit recaps, weekly updates, monthly reports, and annual summaries.
• Support seasonal business demands such as Lent, clambake season, holidays, and company-hosted events.
• Maintain industry knowledge through trade publications, seminars, ride-alongs, and ongoing education on seasonal markets and product offerings.

• Bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience preferred.
• Previous sales management experience preferred.
• Experience in the food or seafood industry strongly preferred.
• Strong time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Excellent communication skills and professional presentation.
• Proficiency in completing administrative and CRM reporting accurately.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

• Extensive time spent in the field calling on customer accounts using a personal vehicle.
• Out-of-town territories must be visited on a bi-monthly basis.
• Time spent in production areas, including fillet room and warehouse, with exposure to cold temperatures.
• Must adhere to all safety, food safety, and GMP requirements while in the facility.
• Flexibility to respond to changing daily schedules and customer needs.

• Ability to lift and carry packages weighing up to 50–80 pounds.
• Ability to stand and remain on feet for extended periods when necessary.