Business Developer, Non-Branded

PFSbrands•Seattle, WA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Non-Branded Business Developer is an entry-level sales role responsible for growing PFS's presence with non-branded accounts and identifying new branded opportunities within the convenience store, grocery, and freestanding foodservice channels. Working closely with Regional Business Developers, Retail Growth Advisors, Business Developer – Key Accounts and wholesale partners, this role learns to prospect and close new business. They will also try to place items into smaller chain accounts not yet doing business with PFSbrands and expand item counts within current non-branded stores. Along the way, they'll build the relationship and product knowledge needed to manage and grow a territory over time. The role includes participating in food shows and on-site demonstrations — including equipment set-up, tear-down, and food preparation — and developing a working knowledge of deli equipment to support store needs. It also involves maintaining accurate CRM records and building referral networks with vendors and distributors to generate ongoing leads. This is an ideal entry point into foodservice sales for a motivated, coachable individual who is eager to build a career in business development. Extensive car and airline travel is required to achieve company growth and profitability goals.

Requirements

0-5 years of sales experience; foodservice, grocery, c-store, or related retail experience preferred but not required
Coachable self-starter with the drive to learn PFS's non-branded and Private Label programs quickly, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision once trained
Sales-oriented, with a personable demeanor and a natural ability to build rapport and trust with customers
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with all types of people, from owners to hourly employees, to drive business results
Strong work ethic and persistent nature – follow-up is a must
Comfortable learning and using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM, Web-X, and other required software
A positive attitude
Ability to manage time and schedule effectively
Organized approach to managing internal, customer, and project materials
Possess and maintain valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business preferred, but not required; recent graduates and early-career sales professionals encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Focus on smaller, independent, and non-branded accounts within convenience store, grocery, or freestanding foodservice operations, and identify strategies to place PFS items into chain accounts and independent stores PFSbrands is not currently doing business with.
Identify, develop, and close non-branded program opportunities with wholesale and distribution partners, including filling truck routes and growing sales through distribution partnerships.
Maintain an organized and focused pipeline, moving working leads through each stage of the sales process to close.
Identify larger Franchise, License, and Private Label opportunities within the region and engage the appropriate Regional Business Developer or Business Developer - Key Accounts to develop and close them.
Place cold calls to potential customers and follow up on all show and other leads.
Seek out referrals and build relationships with vendors, distributors, and existing contacts to generate new business opportunities and leads.
Visit existing accounts and maintain relationships with owners or decision-makers to cross-sell, add additional items, generate leads, and add store locations that support long-term profitability.
Work closely with the Regional Manager, Regional Business Developers, and Business Developer - Key Accounts across the full region to align on strategy and target accounts.
Maintain proper and accurate CRM customer records and log Key Daily Activities.
Participate in food shows and on-site demonstrations, including equipment set-up, tear-down, and food preparation.
Complete training on equipment opportunities and proactively identify store needs to generate equipment leads, engaging the Regional Business Developer, who typically serves as the equipment expert, to quote and finalize the solution.
Perform all other duties as assigned