JOB FILLED - Business Development Manager – Produce Division (Retail Focus)

The Business Development Manager will lead efforts to expand the company’s retail presence within the fresh produce sector, with a strategic focus on Arizona, California, and the greater Southwestern United States. This role is responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, increasing market share, and delivering data-driven insights to support long-term growth. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the regional retail landscape and a strong track record in business development within the produce industry.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Retail Business Development

• Identify, engage, and secure new retail partnerships, including regional and national grocery chains, independent grocers, and specialty retailers.
• Manage and grow existing retail accounts through strategic planning and consistent relationship management.
• Develop and implement account-specific strategies to meet volume, margin, and growth targets.
• Collaborate with internal sales and operations teams to ensure alignment between customer demand, product availability, and service execution.

Regional Market Expansion

• Drive business development efforts within Arizona, California, and other Southwestern markets through targeted outreach and market-specific initiatives.
• Represent the company at regional produce trade shows, industry events, and networking opportunities to increase brand visibility and develop new partnerships.
• Maintain a strong presence in the region through regular travel and direct customer engagement.

Market Penetration and Strategy

• Analyze current market presence and identify opportunities for increased penetration and brand positioning.
• Provide strategic input on pricing, packaging, and product offerings tailored to regional retail trends and customer expectations.
• Collaborate on the development of promotional plans to support in-store placement and seasonal programs.

Market Intelligence and Reporting

• Conduct regular market analysis, including competitor activity, pricing trends, customer preferences, and emerging opportunities.
• Translate insights into actionable strategies and share findings with key internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver detailed reports on business development performance, pipeline progress, and market trends.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the sales and operations departments to ensure business development efforts are fully integrated with product supply, logistics, and customer service capabilities.
• Serve as the liaison between the customer and internal teams to ensure consistent execution and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Contribute to planning and forecasting by providing accurate market input and timely updates on customer activity.

 Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management within the produce or perishable food industry.
• In-depth knowledge of the retail produce landscape, with established relationships in Arizona, California, and the Southwest region preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver revenue growth and build long-term strategic partnerships.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop sound business strategies.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Highly self-motivated and organized, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the region.