Business Development Manager - Deli and Bakery
About The Position
Job Summary: The Business Development Manager (BDM) serves as a strategic leader responsible for overseeing key business operations that support growth and efficiency across assigned Kroger divisions. This role focuses on developing and implementing business strategies, coordinating with vendor and customer partners, and driving organizational objectives through cross-functional collaboration. The BDM exercises independent judgment and discretion in planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, with a focus on market analysis, strategic development, and operational execution that directly impact the company’s business operations. Certain BDMs may also have direct supervisory responsibilities for the retail team. Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions: Strategic Planning Vendor Coordination Data Analysis & Market Intelligence Cross-Functional Collaboration Other Duties Core Functions: Strategic Planning Analyze market trends and internal metrics to guide sales and promotional strategies. Develop and oversee territory and division-level business plans. Maintain performance dashboards and share key insights with leadership. Vendor Coordination Manage vendor onboarding and ensure compliance with Kroger and company standards. Streamline communication between vendors and internal teams. Advise vendors on performance improvement using data insights. Data Analysis & Market Intelligence Track competitors and provide insights for product positioning. Use Market 6, IRI, and Stratum to identify opportunities and address performance gaps. Share findings with internal teams and vendors to inform strategy. Cross-Functional Collaboration Act as the primary liaison across departments for strategic projects. Lead cross-functional teams for product launches and process improvements. Develop and maintain SOPs to ensure operational consistency. Other Duties Submit accurate call reports and update sales pipelines and territory plans. Manage travel and business expenses per company policy. Prepare and present performance reports to leadership and clients. Perform other administrative duties as needed. Some BDM positions may also supervise members of the retail team including the following: Participate in the hiring process for the retail team. Provides performance feedback including coaching, counseling and disciplinary action as needed for the retail team. Complete performance reviews in conjunction with members of management. Partner with management on termination conversations regarding the retail team. Train members of the retail team according to company policies and procedures. Assigns work to retail team including scheduling and route management. Provide performance feedback for retail team associates’ annual performance reviews. Lead by example with a positive approach to retail marketing strategies to motivate the retail team’s performance. Troubleshoot and resolve issues between Empire and customer associates .
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field is preferred
- 5–7 years of experience in business development, strategic planning, or account management, preferably in a retail or food brokerage environment
- Experience managing multiple product categories or departments
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data and develop strategies that impact business operations
- Proficient in market analysis tools such as Market 6, IRI, and Stratum
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Ability to write clear and concise correspondence
- Ability to accurately exchange information
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Ability to be able to operate autonomously, with strong personal drive for results
- Ability to effectively present information in one on one or group situations
- Ability to read and comprehend simple to sometimes complex instructions, correspondence, and memos
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
- Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning
- Vendor Coordination
- Data Analysis & Market Intelligence
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Submit accurate call reports and update sales pipelines and territory plans
- Manage travel and business expenses per company policy
- Prepare and present performance reports to leadership and clients
- Perform other administrative duties as needed
- Participate in the hiring process for the retail team
- Provides performance feedback including coaching, counseling and disciplinary action as needed for the retail team
- Complete performance reviews in conjunction with members of management
- Partner with management on termination conversations regarding the retail team
- Train members of the retail team according to company policies and procedures
- Assigns work to retail team including scheduling and route management
- Provide performance feedback for retail team associates’ annual performance reviews
- Lead by example with a positive approach to retail marketing strategies to motivate the retail team’s performance
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues between Empire and customer associates
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
