Business Development Manager, Food & Processing (Filtration)

SAATI is a global manufacturer of precision technical fabrics, meshes and membranes; the Filtration Division delivers high-performance filtration media and fabricated solutions that help processors improve product quality, yield, hygiene, and operational efficiency across sanitary and industrial applications.

This position has been established specifically to lead opportunity identification and development of incremental filtration mesh business with priority focus in Food & Processing segments for the Saati Americas Filtration Division. SAATI develops and manufactures precision technical fabrics and filtration solutions (including woven meshes/fabrics and membranes) used in sanitary and industrial processes to control contamination, optimize flow, and protect critical downstream equipment. The candidate will lead the prospecting, call planning, demonstrations, pricing and closing, with post-closure customer maintenance to be managed by the local sales representative. The ideal candidate will proactively build a pipeline of project opportunities that create new customer relationships and support existing key customer partnerships—helping processors improve product clarity/quality, reduce waste, increase uptime, and maintain hygienic operations.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive market share gains for SAATI filtration products in Food & Processing (e.g., beverage, brewing, dairy, ingredients, edible oils) with a strategy aligned with and supported by the Global Marketing team
• Take a lead role in developing new-business proposals and presentations that address processor needs (product quality, yield, throughput, hygiene), application fit, and validation requirements
• Identify trends and processor needs (food safety, consistency, sustainability, labor reduction), building a sales pipeline for short/medium term in accordance with market segmentation and targets
• Lead development and execution of strategic account plans for target Food & Processing accounts (processors, OEMs, system integrators, and filter/device manufacturers)
• Assist in coordination and implementation of marketing strategies (including Food & Processing trade shows, associations, and campaigns), and work with the National Sales Manager to delegate tasks to the team in accordance with strategic goals
• Monitor and evaluate industry trends and customer drivers, and meet regularly with management and stakeholders to discuss strategy
• The BDM is also responsible for maintaining customer success with existing clients, exploring ways to grow those accounts, and identifying untapped sources of new business.  
• Generate new leads, identify and contact decision-makers, screen potential business opportunities, select deals in line with strategies, and facilitate proposal logistics
• Become the application expert in select Food & Processing segments, understanding process flow, sanitation (CIP/SIP), and critical quality attributes.
• Evaluate Food & Processing segment growth potential and fit with SAATI’s capabilities (food-grade materials, repeatable performance, fabrication) to capture value.
• Engage in regular travel to meet with prospective and existing customers, attend industry events, and support the business development efforts as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

• 4 Year Technical Degree, Engineering Preferred
• 5 years working in filtration applications; experience with Food & Processing operations (sanitary design, CIP/SIP, product-contact considerations) strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Food & Beverage quality/safety expectations and standards (e.g., FDA food-contact, 3-A sanitary, HACCP/GFSI) and documentation/validation practices
• Demonstrated track record in lead generation and prospecting, meeting and exceeding sales targets—preferably in Food & Beverage or sanitary processing markets
• Strong desire and experience establishing long-term customer relationships and winning new business
• Confident, energetic, “hunter” mentality, highly adaptable and independent
• Excellent verbal and writing skills, great computer skills

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. SAATI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SAATI is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.