Business Development Manager-Chef Prepared (Division)

Central Market • Dallas, TX

75d

About The Position

The Business Development Manager for the Chef Prepared division will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing the performance of our ready-to-eat meal offerings. This role involves developing category strategies, managing vendor relationships, and driving sales and profitability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in specialty grocery, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for innovative, high-quality food products.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Culinary Arts, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in category management, in specialty grocery or food retail.
• Strong understanding of the Chef Prepared segment, including trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape.
• Proven track record of driving sales and profitability through effective category strategies.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills with suppliers and vendors.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Advanced level knowledge of computer software packages including use of PCs, Microsoft Office Software, H-E-B systems, internet and e-mail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift focus between projects/tasks; attention to detail.
• Initiative and willingness to take risks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the Chef Prepared category to drive growth, profitability, and market share.
• Conduct market analysis and consumer research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive threats.
• Manage the product lifecycle from concept to shelf, including assortment planning, product selection, and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with culinary and product development teams to ensure alignment with brand standards and customer expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to negotiate terms, secure favorable pricing, and ensure high-quality product delivery.
• Evaluate supplier performance and make recommendations for improvements or changes as needed.
• Monitor category performance, analyze sales data, and develop actionable insights to drive revenue and margin growth.
• Implement promotional strategies and marketing initiatives to enhance category visibility and drive consumer engagement.
• Oversee inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize out-of-stock or overstock situations.
• Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams to manage product availability and distribution.
• Work closely with marketing, merchandising, and operations teams to execute category initiatives and ensure cohesive execution.
• Provide training and support to store teams on product knowledge and category strategies.
• Gather and analyze customer feedback to understand preferences and adapt the category strategy accordingly.
• Enhance the overall customer experience through innovative and high-quality Chef Prepared offerings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees