Business Development Manager - NYC Shelter Services

Whitsons Culinary Group•New York, NY

1d•$66,300 - $75,000

About The Position

Whitsons Culinary Group is hiring several Business Development Managers to expand prepared food and food service partnerships across New York City shelter services. The role focuses on developing new business and meaningful partnerships with organizations in the NYC shelter, nonprofit, human services, community-based, and prepared food or food service markets. Candidates should know the NYC community, and established relationships in these sectors are strongly desired. The position combines prospecting, relationship building, customer discovery, and collaboration with internal teams to develop tailored food service solutions and secure new business. It is a full-time exempt position with standard hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility is required, and extended hours, evenings, or weekends may be necessary during business cycles. Significant travel is required, primarily throughout NYC, for customer engagement, trade events, regional operations, and leadership meetings. The employee must reside in one of NYC’s five boroughs. The role is performed primarily in the field at client locations and events, as well as in a home-office setting. The salary range is $66,300–$75,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location, with a sales incentive program offering substantial commission potential. The company also offers health, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, and time off.

Requirements

Familiarity with NYC shelter services, nonprofit, human services, community-based organizations, or prepared food and food service markets; existing relationships in these communities are strongly desired.
Experience in food service, hospitality, emergency food and shelter services, human services, nonprofit organizations, or government-related business.
Demonstrated ability to prospect for new business, conduct outreach, develop relationships, and consistently follow up on opportunities.
Comfort with cold outreach and persistent, professional follow-up over potentially long sales cycles.
Strong communication, organization, and follow-through; ability to communicate professionally in person, by phone, and in writing.
Proactive, entrepreneurial approach to opening doors and asking for business; resilience and professionalism in the face of rejection or delayed decisions.
Ability to regularly travel throughout New York City and reside in one of the five boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, hospitality, food service management, or a related field.
Ability to meet the job’s physical demands, including frequently sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, using hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, reaching, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; close vision and ability to adjust focus are required.

Nice To Haves

One to three years of experience in business development, sales, account management, customer relations, community relations, or a related client-facing role.
Established stakeholder relationships and strong market knowledge in the nonprofit shelter sector.
Familiarity with CRM platforms for pipeline management and reporting.
Relevant experience and community relationships may be considered in addition to or in place of a degree.

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue new business opportunities within NYC shelter services.
Build a pipeline through networking, outreach, referrals, and community engagement.
Meet prospective clients, understand their needs, and develop tailored food service solutions.
Partner with internal teams on proposals and RFPs to secure new business.
Represent Whitsons Culinary Group at client meetings, industry events, and networking opportunities.
Conduct in-person prospecting, customer meetings, networking, and site visits throughout New York City.
Manage multiple prospects, sales activities, deadlines, and follow-up commitments.
Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Culinary, Finance, and other internal partners to advance opportunities.