Business Development Manager - Contract Manufacturing

Octopi Brewing LLC•Waunakee, WI

155d

About The Position

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for generating new business opportunities, expanding relationships with existing clients, and ensuring the seamless onboarding and integration of new partners within the beverage contract manufacturing sector. This role requires a results-driven professional with strong knowledge of the beverage industry, technical understanding of manufacturing capabilities, and the ability to translate client needs into practical solutions. Success in this role depends on close cross-collaboration with internal teams—including production, purchasing, supply chain, quality, and finance—to deliver best-in-class service and maintain strong client partnerships. We are looking for energetic candidates to grow with us at Octopi. Qualified individuals are detail-oriented, collaborative, growth-focused, and self-motivated. Our team is a community; we are open, informal and laid back, but also hard working and respectful of others. You should be as well. Offers of employment at Octopi are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates, as deemed necessary.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of the beverage or CPG (consumer packaged goods) industry, ideally within contract manufacturing.
Demonstrated success in winning new business and expanding existing client accounts.
Experience managing client onboarding and ensuring seamless project execution.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Financial analysis and budgeting expertise.
Ability to manage multiple projects and client accounts simultaneously.
Proficiency with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office Suite.
Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong sense of accountability.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field (MBA a plus).
5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or account management in the beverage, food, or contract manufacturing industry.
Experience onboarding new clients and managing existing accounts to generate additional business.
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales and revenue targets.

Responsibilities

Client Acquisition & Business Growth:
Identify and pursue new business opportunities with beverage brands, startups, and private-label clients.
Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue targets.
Secure additional business opportunities with existing clients by identifying growth potential, line extensions, or new product opportunities.
Conduct market research to identify trends, competitive positioning, and emerging prospects.
Prepare and deliver tailored proposals, presentations, and capability overviews.
Client Onboarding & Relationship Management:
Manage and execute the seamless onboarding process for new clients, coordinating internally with production, purchasing, supply chain, finance and quality assurance teams.
Serve as the primary point of contact throughout onboarding to ensure clarity, alignment, and a positive client experience.
Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients to encourage loyalty, satisfaction, and repeat business.
Regularly engage with existing clients to identify opportunities for portfolio expansion and to strengthen partnerships.
Contract Negotiation, Financial Oversight & Reporting:
Negotiate pricing, contract terms, and agreements in alignment with company goals.
Monitor account profitability and ensure projects meet financial targets.
Collaborate with finance teams to review margins, cost structures, and forecasts.
Track, analyze, and report on key business development metrics including pipeline status, revenue performance, and client growth opportunities.
Provide financial analysis for new opportunities, ensuring they align with the company's profitability and revenue goals.
Industry Engagement:
Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and networking events.
Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and the competitive landscape to inform business strategy.
Build and maintain a strong professional network with industry associations and co-manufacturing partners to identify collaboration and growth opportunities.