Business Development Manager

Ellison Custom Food Ingredients Overview:

We are a forward-thinking leader in the food ingredient industry, dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable, and high-quality solutions that help our customers craft exceptional products. We manufacture both baked and RTE inclusions used across an array of industries including bakery, confectionary, ice cream, yogurt, nutrition, and beverage. We take pride in delivering delicious solutions to exceed our customers’ needs. Our portfolio empowers food manufacturers to meet evolving consumer demands for healthier, tastier, and more sustainable options. We believe in building partnerships rooted in trust, innovation, and shared success. 

Position Summary:

The Business Development Manager (BDM) is the bridge between our ingredient portfolio and the brands that will use them to create tomorrow’s food products. This role will identify new market opportunities, build trusted relationships with decision-makers, and help our customers innovate faster. This work will directly influence product launches, market growth, and the way consumers experience food.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across our sectors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with R&D teams, procurement managers, and product developers.
• Collaborate with our technical and applications team to create tailored ingredient solutions for client needs.
• Conduct market research to spot trends in plant-based, clean-label, and functional food categories.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations, product demos, and proposals to prospective clients.
• Negotiate contracts and close deals that align with both client goals and company growth targets.
• Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and customer innovation days.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualification Requirements:

• 3 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management—preferably in the food ingredients or B2B food manufacturing industry.
• Bachelor's degree in business or food science is preferred.
• A strong understanding of food science, ingredient functionality, and product development processes.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into customer value.
• A proactive, self-driven mindset with the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Willingness to travel for customer meetings, plant visits, and industry events.

Working Conditions 

• Preferred location: Remote or at Chaska, MN or Fort Wayne, IN locations
• Frequent travel to customers, industry events and our various manufacturing sites within the US will be required. 

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and loud machinery. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.