Business Development Manager, Food & Beverage

Solenis

About The Position

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree. For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media. Role Summary The Business Development Manager (BDM) supports the growth of cleaning, hygiene, sanitation, and food safety solutions within Food & Beverage manufacturing facilities. This role partners closely with customers to build new relationships, expand existing accounts, and position Diversey/Solenis as a trusted, long-term hygiene and food safety partner. The role combines an understanding of Food & Beverage manufacturing processes, regulatory requirements, and chemical-based cleaning and sanitation programs with the ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and deliver customer-focused commercial solutions in manufacturing environments.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Technology, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
Years of Experience: 5–10 years of experience in sales, account management, or business development within cleaning, hygiene, sanitation, specialty chemicals, or industrial products serving manufacturing environments (Food & Beverage preferred).
Industry Experience: Supporting Food & Beverage manufacturing customers, with exposure to CIP/COP systems, sanitation programs, food safety, and industrial hygiene.
Technical & Commercial Capabilities: Familiarity with Food & Beverage manufacturing processes, cleaning and sanitation chemistry, microbiological risks, and food safety principles; experience presenting value-based solutions and navigating multi-stakeholder B2B environments.
Core Strengths: Relationship-oriented, customer-focused, and collaborative; strong communication, presentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills; able to balance independence with teamwork across functions.
Systems & Tools: Comfortable using CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Travel & Mobility: Willing to travel to customer sites and manufacturing facilities as needed; proximity to a major airport preferred.

Nice To Haves

Existing customer relationships are a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Grow the business by identifying and developing new customer relationships while nurturing and expanding existing accounts within Food & Beverage manufacturing facilities.
Deliver solution-focused, consultative selling by acting as a trusted advisor—conducting site assessments and hygiene audits, and translating operational needs into measurable benefits related to cost efficiency, productivity, risk reduction, and sustainability.
Build strong, collaborative relationships across Quality, Production, Engineering, Procurement, and Plant Leadership to support long-term partnerships and shared success.
Partner with technical specialists to support trials, validations, and implementations of cleaning, sanitation, CIP/COP, and food safety programs.
Support portfolio growth through thoughtful cross-selling and solution alignment across the Diversey / Solenis portfolio, while staying informed on market trends, regulatory developments, and customer needs.
Maintain accurate documentation and planning through CRM reporting, forecasting, and business reviews, while ensuring alignment with food safety, EHS, and sustainability standards.