Director of Sales, Business Development

Select Milk Producers•La Crosse, WI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Select Custom Solutions, we don’t just make ingredients—we create possibilities. From La Crosse, WI, our team brings innovation and expertise to contract manufacturing, branded dairy and non-dairy ingredients, custom blends, and ingredient distribution. With modern facilities and cutting-edge capabilities, we help some of the world’s most trusted brands deliver products that make a difference in people’s lives. With a strong focus on growth, innovation, and excellence, Select Custom Solutions offers opportunities to be part of meaningful work that impacts industries worldwide. Whether you’re working hands-on in manufacturing or supporting operations, your contributions help drive the future of food and nutrition. We’re proud to be partnered with Select Milk Producers, one of the nation’s most progressive dairy cooperatives. With over 110 family-owned dairies and multiple processing plants and joint ventures nationwide, our partnership connects us to a powerful network driving the future of food and nutrition. Join us—and help shape what’s next. We are looking for a Director of Sales, Business Development to support our branded B2B ingredient sales team. The Director of Sales, Business Development is responsible for identifying, pursuing, and closing new business opportunities to drive company growth and market share in our branded B2B ingredient portfolio. This role requires a self-motivated, proactive, entrepreneurial approach to expand the customer base, enter new markets, and develop strategic partnerships. The Director will lead a team focused on generating pipeline, cultivating leads, and converting opportunities into revenue.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field required.
Minimum eight (8) years of experience in a sales position within the Food Manufacturing Industry required.
Three (3) to five (5) years of Management or Supervisory experience required or an equivalent of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of the overall US & global ingredient powder market required, with preferred experience in the dairy, baking, stabilizer, or colostrum industries.
Proficient with CRM systems and Microsoft 365 applications.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive change, foster teamwork, and build relationships.
Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate trends, develop competitive strategies, and align business objectives with market dynamics.
Deep understanding of industry trends, competitive landscape, organizational policies, with the ability to translate strategies into market success.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage effectively with individuals across different levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
Sound judgment in decision-making based on experience, analysis, and insight.
Strong negotiation skills with customers, vendors, record-keepers, and administrators.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects under pressure while meeting deadlines, showcasing strong organizational and time management skills.
Committed to meeting internal and external customer needs, acting with their best interest in mind.
Skilled in developing, organizing, and optimizing processes for efficiency, integration, and simplicity.
Intermediate math skills (comparative analysis, statistics, measurements) and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and industry-specific software.
Effective formal presentation skills with the ability to command attention, manage group discussions, and convey complex ideas clearly.
Maintain a professional demeanor and foster positive working relationships internally and externally.
Agile with the ability to creatively adapt to challenges and the changing landscape.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Business or related field preferred.
Previous experience in Key Account Management preferred.
Preferred experience using AI tools to improve sales prospecting, research, outreach, and overall efficiency.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with company growth objectives.
Identify emerging markets, industries, and customer segments for potential expansion.
Build and manage partnerships, alliances, and distribution channels to accelerate market penetration.
Proactively prospect, qualify, and pursue new client opportunities.
Manage the full sales cycle, from lead generation and discovery through proposal, negotiation, and closing.
Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of opportunities and provide accurate forecasts to leadership.
Establish key metrics to measure and improve pipeline conversion and win rates.
Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform go-to-market strategies.
Identify gaps in the market and provide insights to the product and leadership teams.
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to enhance brand visibility.
Partner with Marketing to design campaigns, events, and content tailored to prospect engagement.
Collaborate with Innovation, Supply Chain, Quality, Operations, and Customer Experience teams to ensure solutions meet client needs.
Provide input into product development and innovation based on market opportunities.
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing business development team.
Establish best practices in prospecting, selling, and account transition to drive efficiency and consistency.
Coach team members on consultative sales techniques and customer engagement strategies.
Establish trusted advisor relationships with prospective clients to understand business challenges and position company solutions.
Create customized proposals and presentations that clearly demonstrate ROI and value.
Transition new accounts smoothly to the account management/strategic accounts team for long-term growth.
Responsible for employee relations including work direction of employees, hiring, training, performance reviews, administering policies and procedures, disciplinary action, and compensation recommendations.
Direct implementation and follow through of departmental objectives, goals and policies.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures and guidelines.
Serve on committees as needed.
Update knowledge and develop professionally on a continuing basis, with a focus on learning technical food formulation.
Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Safety Protocol.
Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
Support safety policies and programs.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package focusing on your physical, financial and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings (health, dental, vision, etc.)
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays Off
Uniform Program
Shoe Allowance
Onsite gym
Career Advancement Opportunities
Leadership Development Opportunities to support our local communities
Chance to apply best practices in sustainability and environmental initiatives
Commitment to producing high quality nutritious products and providing nourishment around the world