Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

📍 Columbus, Ohio

🔹 Full-Time | Exempt

🔹 Salary: Competitive commission

🔹Reports To VP of Sales and Marketing

About DNO Produce

DNO Produce is a regional fresh-cut processor based in Columbus, OH, specializing in high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables. We proudly serve schools, restaurants, healthcare facilities, coliseums, mass feeders, retailers, and more with innovative produce solutions. From portion-controlled snack packs to bulk foodservice packs, our mission is to deliver freshness, consistency, and exceptional service to our partners across the Midwest and beyond. Learn more at www.dnoinc.com.

Position Summary

We are seeking a driven, relationship-oriented Inside Business Development Manager (BDM) to expand DNO’s footprint across foodservice distributors, retail partners, K-12 and national chain accounts. This role will be responsible for calling on and visiting current distributors and K12 customers to grow sales of DNO’s full product portfolio, while also prospecting and opening new distributor accounts. In addition, the BDM will be charged with developing national chain business by creating “pull-through” demand from operators and influencing “push” adoption at the corporate level.

This role requires a blend of field sales, strategic account management, and new business development. Travel every other week (minimum) is expected to engage customers face-to-face and represent DNO at industry events and trade shows.

Key Responsibilities

Distributor Development

• Call on and visit current/new foodservice and K12 distributor customers to expand DNO product sales. (Foodservice, Retail and K12)
• Prospect, qualify, and open new distributor accounts across the Midwest region.

National & Regional Chains

• Develop business with national and regional restaurant chains, leveraging a “cooler-up / corporate-down” strategy to gain adoption both at the operator level and with corporate decision-makers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with category managers, produce buyers, and culinary teams.

Strategic Sales Execution

• Achieve growth objectives across foodservice, retail, K-12, and national chain channels.
• Work with internal marketing, operations, and customer service teams to align execution with customer needs.
• Provide timely reporting on pipeline, sales activity, and competitor insights to VP of Sales & Marketing.

Field Engagement & Travel

• Conduct in-person meetings, product presentations, and facility tours to deepen relationships and build trust.
• Represent DNO at trade shows, food shows, and industry events.
• Travel every other week (minimum) across the Midwest region and beyond as needed.

Qualifications

•   3 years of sales or business development experience in the fresh produce, foodservice, or perishable food industry (strong preference for produce background).
• Strong knowledge of distributor networks, K-12 FFVP programs, and foodservice sales.
• Experience calling on multi-unit or national accounts (restaurants, retail, or institutional feeders).
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence decision-makers at multiple levels.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a strong hunter mentality.
• Ability to analyze data, identify opportunities, and convert leads into profitable business.
• Willingness to travel at least every other week.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and virtual meeting tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• 3 years of sales or business development experience in the fresh produce, foodservice, or perishable food industry (strong preference for produce background).
• Strong knowledge of distributor networks, K-12 programs, and foodservice sales.
• Experience calling on multi-unit or national accounts (restaurants, retail, or institutional feeders).
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence decision-makers at multiple levels.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a strong hunter mentality.
• Ability to analyze data, identify opportunities, and convert leads into profitable business.
• Willingness to travel at least every other week.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and virtual meeting tools.
• Health, dental, vision & life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off & holidays

Compensation: Competitive base salary plus commission structure tied to both new business development and existing account growth.

Join us to lead with purpose and drive meaningful impact.

📩 Apply now or message us to learn more!

DNO Produce is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Full Job Description available upon request.