Business Development Manager at Nassau Candy

💼 Position Description

🧾 Title: Business Development Manager
📊 FLSA Status: Exempt
👤 Reports to: EVP, Sales

🎯 Primary Purpose

The Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and expanding high-value customer relationships within the confectionery, food, and specialty markets. This role focuses on cultivating partnerships with premium and strategic clients, driving new business opportunities, and representing Nassau Candy as a trusted advisor and solutions partner. The Business Development Manager serves as a key liaison between clients, operations, product development, and marketing to deliver tailored programs that maximize growth and customer satisfaction.

💼 Essential Functions

• 🤝 Build and maintain relationships with high-end and strategic clients across key channels (specialty retail, gourmet, gifting, hospitality, and private label).

• 💡 Identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with Nassau Candy’s growth strategy and premium product portfolio.

• 📊 Develop and execute account-specific growth plans, including sales forecasts, margin goals, and promotional strategies.

• 🧁 Collaborate with Product Development, Creative, and Operations teams to customize solutions for client programs and product assortments.

• 📈 Analyze sales performance, product movement, and profitability to guide business decisions and identify new revenue opportunities.

• 🧠 Maintain in-depth knowledge of industry trends, category performance, and competitive activity to position Nassau Candy effectively within the marketplace.

• 💬 Present new product innovations, seasonal programs, and marketing initiatives to customers and internal stakeholders.

• 💰 Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with an emphasis on margin management and long-term account value.

• 📍 Represent Nassau Candy at industry trade shows, networking events, and customer meetings to enhance brand visibility and business development opportunities.

• ⚙️ Partner with Customer Service, Logistics, and Finance teams to ensure smooth execution and account satisfaction.

• 📋 Prepare periodic sales reports, business reviews, and pipeline updates for senior leadership.

• 🧭 Lead or mentor Sales Representatives as needed, supporting account strategy and client retention initiatives.

• 🏁 Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned.

🎓 Minimum Requirements

• 🎓 Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field required.

• 💼 7+ years of progressive sales or business development experience within the confectionery, CPG, or specialty food industry.

• 🏆 Proven success managing high-value or national accounts with strong relationship management and consultative sales skills.

• 💡 Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to identify and capture new business opportunities.

• 🗣️ Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

• 🔄 Ability to manage complex sales cycles and collaborate cross-functionally across departments.

• 💻 Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; CRM system experience (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) preferred.

• 🚗 Willingness to travel as required to attend client meetings, tradeshows, and company events.

🚗 Physical Requirements

• 🗣️ Must be able to speak audibly and intelligibly over the telephone and in-person.

• 👂 Must be able to hear with or without accommodation.

• ⌨️ Must be able to operate a computer keyboard and telephone handset with or without accommodation.

• ✈️ Must be able to travel independently, including overnight travel as necessary.