Strategic Business Development Manager chez Butterball Farms, Inc.

Description

Join a Mission That Matters – Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms

At Butterball® Farms, we’re more than a world-class food manufacturer — we’re a company on a mission: to Enrich Lives. For over 60 years, we’ve proudly partnered with the world’s premier food brands to deliver innovative, value-added butter products. But our impact goes far beyond the food industry.

Recognized globally for our excellence and named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies, we invest deeply in our people, our communities, and our future. From fostering innovation and personal growth to supporting local neighborhoods, we believe success starts with a strong, supportive workplace.

When you join Butterball® Farms, you’re joining a team that values growth, innovation, and making a difference — together.

 What We Offer

At Butterball® Farms, we believe that when our people grow, our company grows. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your success — both on and off the job.

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement Build your career in an environment that encourages development and internal promotion.
• Innovative & Inclusive Culture Join a workplace that celebrates innovation, continuous improvement, personal growth, and diversity.
• Shift Premiums Competitive pay with additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift positions.
• Paid Time Off Enjoy paid vacation and holidays to support work-life balance.
• 401(k) with Company Match Plan for your future with our generous retirement savings program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Continue your education with financial support for approved programs.
• Access to The Source Get connected to community resources, support services, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related issues.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.

 Key Responsibilities 

• Lead strategic business development initiatives to drive growth in branded CPG sales across retail, foodservice, and emerging channels.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure new customer opportunities with national and regional accounts, distributors, and brokers.
• Develop and execute go-to-market strategies, pricing structures, and promotional plans aligned with company objectives.
• Build and maintain senior-level customer relationships while delivering value-added solutions that strengthen partnerships.
• Conduct market and competitive analysis to uncover growth opportunities and optimize category performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to align strategies and deliver results.
• Manage the end-to-end business development process — from prospecting and pitch development to contract negotiation and close.
• Provide regular reporting on pipeline health, forecasting accuracy, and performance against KPIs.
• Represent Butterball® Farms at trade shows, customer meetings, and industry events to promote brand visibility.

Requirements

Education / Certificates / Licenses / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field required; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in CPG sales, business development, or key account management.
• Proven track record of driving branded sales growth and securing new business in the CPG industry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of CPG category management, retail dynamics, distributor networks, and food service.
• Exceptional negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, data analytics tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

(This role requires the following professional and personal competencies)

Continuous (67–100% of the time):

• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Data analysis and reporting
• Cross-functional collaboration
   

Frequent (33–66% of the time):

• Travel for customer meetings, industry events, and trade shows
• Presentation delivery to executive teams and customers
• Contract negotiation and review
   

Occasional (Up to 33% of the time):

• Extended hours during peak sales cycles or trade events
• Lifting and transporting marketing materials, product samples, or trade show displays (up to 25 lbs)

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in a professional office environment with regular travel to customer sites, trade shows, and company headquarters. May include:

• Extended periods of sitting, computer use, and phone calls.
• National travel requirements of up to 30%.
• Collaboration with teams across multiple time zones.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of any employee assigned to this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA).