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Senior Business Development Manager

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Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Function: Global Sourcing/PL&Ingredients/Trading

Req Number: 1224

Description

We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real.

Position Summary

Reporting to SVP and Business Head of Chilies the Business Development Senior Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities to drive revenue growth in Canned Beans and Canned / Frozen vegetables. This role involves strategic planning, market analysis, relationship building, and closing deals. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, results-oriented professional with a strong understanding of the food industry in USA especially canned foods and Frozen Vegetables.

Position Responsibilities

Market Research and Analysis:

Identify and research potential buyers for Canned Beans and Vegetables and IQF / DHF vegetables.
Analyze import and domestic supply trends, production and buyer requirements for the above-mentioned products.
Analyze competitor activities, and customers need to identify new business opportunities.
Conduct SWOT analysis to assess the category strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and devise an entry and winning strategy.
Design a medium-to-the-long-term strategy and profitability forecasts for the above business.

Strategic Partnerships and Drive Sales

Generate leads through various channels, including networking, cold calling, online research, and industry events.
Qualify leads and prioritize opportunities based on potential value and alignment with company goals.  
Understand, vet and validate costing of products and all other associated costs for building and decide customer pricing.
Ensure sizeable market share for the above-mentioned categories in a 2–3-year horizon.
Liaise with the PL, ingredient and Food Service sales teams to drive the category sales growth.

Relationship Building and Networking:

Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders to establish long-term and strategic tie ups with buyers.
Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to expand professional industry network.
Represent the company professionally and build awareness about ofi.

Sales and Negotiation:

Negotiate contracts and agreements to maximize profitability.
Close deals and achieve sales targets.
Work closely with the sales team to ensure smooth handover of new clients.

Strategic Planning and Development:

Collaborate with internal teams (demand forecasting, sales. innovation) to align sourcing strategy and partnerships.
Track and report on business development activities and results.
Develop and maintain a business development plan.

Client Retention and Growth:

Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling to existing clients.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).

Eight (8) years of previous sales, business development or brand management experience is required.
Minimum 5 years of experience in the food industry required, with a strong preference for expertise in vegetables or canning.
Proven success in P&L management, with the ability to drive profitability and strategic growth.
Strong relationship management skills—experienced in fostering connections with both customers and internal stakeholders to support business expansion.
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex concepts effectively.
Ability to build trust and credibility across all levels, internally and externally, to drive collaboration and influence key decisions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset, capable of navigating challenges in a dynamic environment.
Strong analytical and research abilities to identify trends, market opportunities, and areas for growth.
Self-motivated and results-driven, with a passion for delivering impact in a fast-paced, evolving space.

The pay for this role in the state of Illinois ranges from $115,000 to $150,000 and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications and/or other determining factors.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: [email protected]

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.