Business Development Manager & Broker Relations

*** This role can be HQ based in Hopkins MN or remote ***

CJ Schwan’s is a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table!

We’re looking for a strategic, data-driven Business Development & Broker Relations Manager to drive growth and expand our presence across key channels—including Grocery, Value, Independent, Drug and Natural. In this role, you will lead partnerships with brokers, distributors, and major retail customers to deliver volume, margin, and category growth for our Shelf Stable Asian portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Build and execute annual business plans to meet sales, profit, and distribution goals.
• Lead joint business planning, promotional strategy, and contract negotiations with brokers, distributors, and customers (e.g., KeHE, UNFI-Naturals, Amazon).
• Co-manage the broker network—setting expectations, reviewing performance, and ensuring alignment on priorities.
• Use syndicated data and customer insights using Circana and select vendor portals to identify opportunities, optimize pricing and promotions, and strengthen assortment strategies.
• Deliver accurate forecasts, reporting, and trade spend analysis to support decision-making.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Revenue Management, and Category Management to align plans and bring innovation to market.
• Conduct field visits to evaluate execution and competitive activity; influence internal and external partners with category expertise.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent years of experience) and 7 years of progressive CPG sales, broker management, or key account management experience
• Proven success managing brokers/distributors and delivering sales and profitability targets.
• Experience with KeHE, UNFI-Naturals, Amazon, or Canadian retailers is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with syndicated data (Circana).
• Skilled negotiator with strong financial acumen and trade management experience.
• MS Suite Excel and PowerPoint; trade management system experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

The base salary range for this position is $97,500 - $162,500 annually with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, time off programs, retirement and financial programs.

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan’s Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email career.search@schwans.com

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelors degree or equivalent

Years of Related Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive sales, broker management, or key account management experience in the CPG industry. Proven success managing brokers/distributors and achieving sales and profitability targets. Experience with KeHE, UNFI-Naturals, amazon.com or Canadian retailers preferred, but not required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strong knowledge of the North American CPG landscape and go-to-market channels. Highly analytical and data-driven; proficient in syndicated data tools (e.g., Circana/Nielsen). Skilled negotiator with strong financial acumen and trade management experience. Excellent communicator and presenter with the ability to influence across levels. Sales/Sales Planning skills and ability to develop customer relationships. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Trade Management systems a plus. Self-motivated, proactive, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. Collaborative team player who builds trust and drives engagement across internal and external partners.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the job. An individual must be able to perform all ofthe duties and responsibilities listed in a fully competent manner to be considered successful in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individualswith disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.

Salary : $97,500 - $162,500