Business Development Manager - Central / West Region

Job Overview:

The Business Development Manager will develop, lead and execute strategies and tactics to grow Brands sales profitably for our customers and for UNFI.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

Manage the Brands portfolio across an assigned account list covering assigned Brands portfolio which may consist of natural products, conventional products, or both.

• Collaborate with regional sales and merchandising teams, other UNFI partners, and brokers to develop strategies and deliver against sales and service goals
• Field customer and account team questions, resolve issues and communicate opportunities in a proactive and timely manner
• Provide recommendations to improve the Brands portfolio, programs, and processes with the goal of delivering continuous exceptional customer service
  
  

Investigate and develop incremental sales opportunities:

• Discover and build sales proposals around voids, promotions, displays, events, seasonal plays, shippers/pallets and more
• Create business plans and meet with customers in office, online and in stores to build consensus
• Build excitement for and execute new item distribution goals
• Support all requests from market development teams to land and launch new customer affiliations
• Utilize sales team incentives as available
  
  

Oversee regional sales budget

• Support the budget build with customer-specific goals and strategies, expense targets, and sales-driving investment needs
• Ensure sales-driving spend meets ROI goals and is net positive for the growth of the business
• Manage expenses according to goals and company policies
  
  

Team responsibilities

• Participation in team meetings and calls and sharing of ideas and strategies for benefit of total team
• Recap wins and manage opportunities regularly utilizing all the tools required by UNFI and leadership
• Complete required trainings as directed
• Educate, train and lead UNFI teams and partners so that they are equipped to prioritize and drive Brands sales
• Provide necessary support at customer events, trade shows, and leadership meetings, which may include travel
  
  

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field, or equivalent experience
  
  

Experience:

• Three to five years of sales experience (food industry and/or private brands preferred)
• Proven ability to successfully develop and execute growth strategies in a business environment
  
  

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Ability to communicate, negotiate and present professionally at all levels to achieve results
• Cross-functional leadership skills that motivate associates and customers to act
• Standard Office suite of computer programs, plus willingness to learn UNFI applications as needed
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
  
  

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.
  
  

Travel (major):

• Travel is required up to 30% for this position.
  
  

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.
• Woodstock Farms: Ability to work in an environment containing tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, sesame, milk and different spices like pepper, chili, etc.
  
  

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.