Job Description

Join boundless thinkers from all walks of life working together to feed the world. Take pride in working with powerful brands, including Purina Animal Nutrition, Nutra Blend, WinField United, Vermont Creamery, KozyShack, and more.

You'll join a global team committed to everything from the seeds that go into the ground, to the technology that improves crop yields and sustainability, to the nutrition that animals need, to marketing the final product.

Business Development Manager (Specialty Cheese and Butter) @ Vermont Creamery/Land O'Lakes

Brand Focus: Vermont Creamery and Philia Spreadable Feta

Primary Market Focus: Midwest, Central and South West

Job Location: Remote proximity to above markets preferred

Our new Business Development Manager will join the wider Land OLakes team, who are committed to everything from the seeds that go into the ground, to the technology that improves crop yields and sustainability, to the nutrition that animals need, to taking the final product, our specialty cheese and butter to market.

The primary focus will be on the Vermont Creamery Brand. The company was founded in 1984 by two young entrepreneurs who made their mark as pioneers of European-style, American-made artisan cheese in the country. For 36 years the B Corp certified brand has grown, winning hundreds of awards nationally and internationally, and embarking on an incredible growth journey to bring artisan dairy products to millions across the country. Acquired in 2017 by Land OLakes, Vermont Creamery remains a mission-led brand located in Central Vermont, making consciously crafted dairy that tastes better because its made better.

We are seeking the next member of our specialty sales team a passionate creative problem-solver who chases possibility and recognizes the unique opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small-but-mighty team at a rapidly growing company.

Our team style is open and collaborative; we are always willing to lend a hand or share an idea. We take care of each other, work hard together, shoot for the moon (and almost always get there), and do not take ourselves too seriously along the way.

On a typical day you might find your time equally split between building the presence of Vermont Creamery and Philia brands with a well-established group of retail and food service customers.

Your work will be focused on people, through nourishing and building relationships with your buyers, category managers, distributors, brokers, teammates, and your cross functional partners.

It will be equally focused on possibility, through the development of new strategies and approaches to support your brands in the market. You will also focus on finding new and innovative ways to grow our brand presence in the market, increasing points of distribution, winning new customers and new shelf placements in our priority channels.

Part account management, part new business development, this role is full of possibility. The perfect candidate will be driven by growth, enjoy the chase and savor the win, be focused on the top line, understand and manage the bottom line, be able to work with uncertainty, lean into the challenges, and not sweat the small stuff. They love people, are passionate about food, care about where it comes from and live by our mission of making our delicious cheeses and butters accessible to more people.

They will enjoy the benefits of a leadership team cares about balance, well-being, and growth of both the company and the people who make up the company.

If youre looking for a role where your ideas and energy are not only welcome, but are vital; if we can do that is a phrase you embrace; and if you care about being part of a company that cares deeply about business as a force for good in the world, this might be the right role for you. Come grow with us!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Sales Management

* Be responsible for delivering annual high growth sales targets for the assigned accounts and for winning new business opportunities across the market in retail/foodservice channels.

* This should be done within budget parameters, contributing to the overall enterprise revenue and profitability goals of Land OLakes

Selling

* Proven ability to articulate the distinct aspects of products and category opportunities and position them against competitors through proposals and excellent presentation skill

* Strategize around and manage promotions and customer specific marketing

Strategy

* Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve/exceed sales targets and to expand the companys customer base through new and expanded distribution opportunities.

* Participate in strategic planning, forecasting and trade spend management.

* Develop and manage annual strategic game plans with key customers across multiple channels mass, natural, specialty, club, e-commerce, and food service

Account Management and New Business Development

* Manage and expand product distribution within an established portfolio of retail and foodservice customers.

* Seek out and establish business relationships with new customers across the market in both retail and foodservice channels

Budgeting

* Possess key functional expertise across sales, trade management and category management. Work in regular collaboration with the wider Land OLakes sales, marketing, finance, consumer insights and operations teams to build strong working relationships and efficiency across the organization

* Establish territory and customer specific trade budgets in line with national sales plan, through ongoing collaboration with the operations and demand planning teams

* Have strong financial (trade management) acumen, P&L experience

Data

* Create and deliver customized sales presentations to all key decision makers leveraging IRI/SPINS/Nielsen data

* Analyze data to maximize sales in current accounts using key marketing resources and retail execution at store level

* Comprehend category-specific landscapes and trends, reporting on the forces that shift tactical budgets and strategic direction of account

Communications and Reporting

* Work with the Director of Specialty Sales to set periodic sales goals and keep thorough and up to date notes on all existing and target accounts

* Deliver reports for measuring territory/customer sales performance to management on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, and as needed to support organization objectives

* Complete and assist in account paperwork (Sales Force, NIFs, etc)

* Be responsible for retailer buyer, distributor and broker management, communication, and support.

Relationship Management

* Develop, cultivate, and manage relationships with key buyers, and market stakeholders

* Build strong relationships with existing customers, stakeholders, and internal organizational staff, that promotes loyalty, collaboration, and increased revenue between customers and the company

* Develop strong interpersonal and professional relationships with peers, colleagues, and cross functional partners

* Contribute to and develop strong company culture

Events and Training

* Represent Company at trade exhibitions and events Participate and manage the Land OLakes specialty sales team presence at national and trade shows (Fancy Foods, Expo, NRA), regional distributor shows and in-market consumer targeted events

* Have the ability to create and conduct product training and education seminars to customers and stakeholders across all levels of expertise

* Be willing to take on ad-projects and other duties as assigned

Business Acumen

* Have excellent listening, negotiation, verbal, and written communications skills resourceful and always looking for ways to contribute, learn and develop

* Ability to perform effectively in a team and matrixed environment

Required Education and Experience

* Associates Degree or higher or equivalent work experience.

* 5 or more years of consumer package goods sales experience; including strong knowledge of specialty/natural, mass, chain, and club retail channels

* Strong knowledge of Artisanal and Specialty Cheese. (Dairy and Deli sales experience preferred

* 5 or more years of experience with brand development and systems to support aggressive business and brand growth

* Strong Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, Excel, Sales Force

* Ability to travel up to 50% (overnights and out of state travel required) may vary with current climate

* Key leadership characteristics: integrity, confidentiality, leadership/drive for results, collaborative, flexible, strong communicator, player/coach mentality with ability to roll up sleeves.

* Be a self-starting, goal directed with proven ability to achieve results through self and others

* Have excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, persuasive skills

* Portray an intellectual curiosity and strong analytical skills with the ability to process large amounts of data and develop recommendations and action plans accordingly

* Be action bias with an ability to manage shifting and multiple priorities

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land OLakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.

Land O'Lakes endeavors to make Landolakesinc.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.