Business Developer, Non-Branded

Business Developer, Non-Branded

Reports to: Regional Manager, Business Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary

The Non-Branded Business Developer is an entry-level sales role responsible for growing PFS's presence with non-branded accounts and identifying new branded opportunities within the convenience store, grocery, and freestanding foodservice channels. Working closely with Regional Business Developers, Retail Growth Advisors, Business Developer Key Accounts and wholesale partners, this role learns to prospect and close new business. They will also try to place items into smaller chain accounts not yet doing business with PFSbrands and expand item counts within current non-branded stores. Along the way, they'll build the relationship and product knowledge needed to manage and grow a territory over time.

The role includes participating in food shows and on-site demonstrations including equipment set-up, tear-down, and food preparation and developing a working knowledge of deli equipment to support store needs. It also involves maintaining accurate CRM records and building referral networks with vendors and distributors to generate ongoing leads. This is an ideal entry point into foodservice sales for a motivated, coachable individual who is eager to build a career in business development. Extensive car and airline travel is required to achieve company growth and profitability goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Focus on smaller, independent, and non-branded accounts within convenience store, grocery, or freestanding foodservice operations, and identify strategies to place PFS items into chain accounts and independent stores PFSbrands is not currently doing business with.
• Identify, develop, and close non-branded program opportunities with wholesale and distribution partners, including filling truck routes and growing sales through distribution partnerships.
• Maintain an organized and focused pipeline, moving working leads through each stage of the sales process to close.
• Identify larger Franchise, License, and Private Label opportunities within the region and engage the appropriate Regional Business Developer or Business Developer - Key Accounts to develop and close them.
• Place cold calls to potential customers and follow up on all show and other leads.
• Seek out referrals and build relationships with vendors, distributors, and existing contacts to generate new business opportunities and leads.
• Visit existing accounts and maintain relationships with owners or decision-makers to cross-sell, add additional items, generate leads, and add store locations that support long-term profitability.
• Work closely with the Regional Manager, Regional Business Developers, and Business Developer - Key Accounts across the full region to align on strategy and target accounts.
• Maintain proper and accurate CRM customer records and log Key Daily Activities.
• Participate in food shows and on-site demonstrations, including equipment set-up, tear-down, and food preparation.
• Complete training on equipment opportunities and proactively identify store needs to generate equipment leads, engaging the Regional Business Developer, who typically serves as the equipment expert, to quote and finalize the solution.
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 0-5 years of sales experience; foodservice, grocery, c-store, or related retail experience preferred but not required
• Bachelor's degree in business preferred, but not required; recent graduates and early-career sales professionals encouraged to apply
• Coachable self-starter with the drive to learn PFS's non-branded and Private Label programs quickly, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision once trained
• Sales-oriented, with a personable demeanor and a natural ability to build rapport and trust with customers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with all types of people, from owners to hourly employees, to drive business results
• Strong work ethic and persistent nature follow-up is a must
• Comfortable learning and using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM, Web-X, and other required software
• A positive attitude
• Ability to manage time and schedule effectively
• Organized approach to managing internal, customer, and project materials
• Possess and maintain valid driver's license

Working Conditions

• Approximately 25% of the work is performed in an office setting
• Significant auto and some air travel, up to 50-75% of the time, is required to cover the assigned territory
• Able to manage high automobile drive time expectations, 3K-5K miles/month
• Pass annual review of Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) to establish and continue insurability under PFS' corporate policies.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl
• Required to stand for long periods of time at food shows and demonstrations, and to sit for long periods of time while driving to cover the assigned territory
• Occasionally required to climb or balance
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift and/or move up to 75 lbs., including cases of product, trade show equipment, and travel gear
• Set up and tear down demos and trade shows, loading and unloading bulky, heavy equipment and product
• Regularly required to use hands and fingers, reach, talk, and hear, including speaking with and hearing customers and employees via phone and in person in English
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment including a computer
• Ability to withstand the physical rigors of frequent travel by car, train, or airplane, including time zone changes, varying climates, navigating terminals and stairs or uneven terrain, and loading/unloading gear and luggage
• Store trade show equipment at home (e.g., table top display cargo containers)