Business Development Director - Fresh Foods

Who are we?
Produce Alliance specializes in delivery of fresh produce to restaurants and other foodservice operators at higher quality and better prices. We provide produce category management services including procurement, national distribution, information services and food safety assurance to foodservice clients across North America. With a specialized focus on fast food (QSR), non-traditional, c-store, fast casual, GPO, and healthcare segments, they're redefining fresh produce sourcing. Produce Alliance manages partnerships with over 150 independently owned specialty distributors and collaborate with over 100 premium grower shippers. As a Buyers Edge Platform brand, we are committed to providing fresh category management services to our clients with unprecedented service, superior access to high-quality fresh produce, commodity expertise and strategic supply chain solutions.
This position can be based out of one of our offices in Waltham, MA; Lake Worth, FL; New London, CT; Salinas, CA; Suwanee, GA; Becker, MN; or downtown Chicago or Bannockburn, IL on a hybrid basis. We are unable to offer work sponsorship for this role.
Your impact:
The BD Director identifies, pursues, and secures new business opportunities, particularly with large-scale foodservice clients, to drive revenue growth and expand the company's market presence within the produce industry across North America and abroad. They are responsible for sales strategy development, client acquisition, relationship management, and revenue generation. This person will help to drive our market expansion, reach new and existing produce foodservice operators, and build new growth in our fresh produce services.

• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to acquire and maintain national accounts within the produce management sector for Produce Alliance.
• Identify and target potential foodservice clients, including large QSR chains, fast casual, and retail for national account sales opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at target accounts, understanding their needs and requirements.
• Conduct thorough market research to stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing, product development, and customer service to ensure seamless execution of sales strategies and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals tailored to the specific needs and objectives of potential national account clients.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with national accounts, ensuring profitability while meeting customer expectations.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance metrics, adjusting strategies as necessary to meet or exceed sales targets.
• Stay updated on relevant regulations and industry standards affecting the produce management sector, ensuring compliance in all sales activities.

About You:

• 5+ years of sales experience
• 3+ years of produce sales experience preferred
• Ability to effectively pitch our services, negotiate end user contracts, and close deals with clients in the produce management sector.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills to establish and maintain connections with key stakeholders such as suppliers, distributors, and industry associations.
• Capacity to develop and implement long-term sales strategies that align with company goals and respond to changing market conditions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate value propositions, present sales pitches, and engage with clients and colleagues effectively.
• Proficiency in analyzing market data, sales metrics, and financial reports to identify opportunities, evaluate performance, and make data-driven decisions.
• Familiarity with sales and CRM software, as well as other relevant technology tools and platforms used in sales operations.
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Don't meet every requirement mentioned here? Studies have shown that women, communities of color and historically underrepresented talent are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Buyers Edge Platform and our subsidiary brands, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this position or others with us!
What's in this for you?
Amazing coverages to start. Medical, dental, and vision coverages are just the beginning! We also offer ancillary plans, such as flexible spending accounts for both health and dependent care, critical illness, accident, and voluntary life as well as company paid life and long-term-disability plans! On top of this, we also offer a 401(k) plan with company match.
Invest in your success. We will provide you with a thorough training and development program; and offer competitive compensation.
Live well = Work well. Relax with our Personal Responsibility Paid Time Off policy where you don't have to accrue time off in order to take it!
We welcome all.
We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.