Summary

The Business Development Manager plays a key role in driving the growth of Klosterman Baking Company by identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities across multiple sales channels. This position is responsible for expanding the company’s customer base, managing early-stage sales efforts, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure strong execution and long-term customer success. The role is highly customer-facing and supports new sales growth in foodservice, retail, co-manufacturing, and private label channels.

Essential Functions

• Research and identify prospective customers and new business opportunities within assigned geographic territories.
• Build, manage, and advance a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities through outbound outreach, networking, and inbound inquiries.
• Lead the sales process from initial contact through proposal development, negotiation, and deal closure.
• Present product offerings, pricing structures, and operational capabilities to prospective customers.
• Support RFP/RFQ responses, proposal creation, and contract coordination.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, operations, and R&D to develop customer-specific solutions.
• Support onboarding of new accounts to ensure a smooth transition into ongoing account management and execution.
• Track, analyze, and report sales activity, opportunity status, and market feedback.
• Maintain accurate sales documentation, forecasts, and CRM updates.
• Attend customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events as required.
• Assist with forecasting, pipeline development, and goal-setting initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Initiative and Sense of Urgency
• Results-Oriented / Deal-Driven Mindset
• Relationship Building
• Collaboration
• Flexibility and Adaptability

Job-Specific Competencies

• Full-Cycle Sales Execution and Deal Closure
• Opportunity Qualification and Pipeline Management
• Customer Communication and Negotiation
• Product and Manufacturing Capability Knowledge
• CRM Management and Sales Reporting
• Market and Competitive Research
• Ethics and Confidentiality

Work Environment

This position operates in a hybrid environment that may include office, remote, and field-based work. Regular travel to customer locations and industry events is a significant component of the role.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel frequently to customer locations and trade events
• Occasional lifting of product samples or promotional materials
• Frequent use of a computer and phone for meetings, reporting, and communication

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, salaried position. Work hours are typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility based on customer, deal, and travel requirements.

Travel

Travel is required over 50% of the time, including local, regional, and frequent overnight travel.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or account management
• Demonstrated success closing new customer deals
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Experience in food manufacturing, baking, or related industries preferred

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience with DSD, foodservice distribution, or private label product sales
• Working knowledge of CRM platforms such as Insightly, Salesforce, or HubSpot
• Familiarity with food manufacturing capabilities, logistics, and category trends
• Completion of professional sales training (e.g., consultative selling, negotiation, or structured sales methodology)

Salary pay + Commission

Equal Opportunity Statement

Klosterman Baking Company is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

*This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or activities. Responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.