Business Development Manager - UNFI

Who We Are  

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new heights. We are one of the leading privately held sales agencies in the industry. Thanks to nimble growth and associations with our operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie, we have built brand value that is unlike any other in the CPG industry.  

What We Do  

Since our start in 1962, we have built industry relationships on the foundation of trust and action. We turn information into insight. We convert insight into programs. We drive programs that consistently deliver results to our clients, on their timeline.  

We have more than 300 associates and multiple offices throughout the country. We represent top brands in many categories such as confection, snack, grocery, beverage, frozen, dairy etc. 

Overview of the Role  

• As the Business Development Manager - UNFI, you will develop strategic business plans that integrate client goals with the retail customer’s goals to develop a winning sales strategy for clients, retail partners, and C.A. Carlin. This role will be an integral part of, developing, building, and maintaining credible and long-term Client relationships and retail partner relationships.
• Location: Must be local to Eden Prairie, MN office to observe hybrid schedule (2-3 day in office)
• Travel Requirements: Travel required up to 20-25% – i.e. industry trade shows, client national sales meetings, & or any other events that would be warranted; all other travel is within assigned market (automobile)  
• At C.A. Carlin, we value commitment and long-term growth. We’re on a mission to build better brands. If you’re looking for a sign to apply—this is it! 

What You’ll Do at C.A. Carlin 

• Achieves the sales objectives for each client responsible for and the sales objective of CA Carlin 
• Tracks new/lost business against company revenue forecasts and goals and proposes solutions and recommendations that contribute to company’s overall profitability 
• Regularly analyzes trends in client’s business using syndicated data and retailer data 
• Attend all major Industry shows as deemed necessary by leadership team 
• Plays a role in securing new business for the agency as well as pitching potential brand partnership opportunities to the executive leadership team 
• Assisting the Director of Business Development in reviewing all potential business leads requiring follow-up 
• Tracks new/lost business against company revenue forecasts and goals and proposes solutions and recommendations that contribute to company’s overall profitability 
• Manages company’s portfolio of clients by updating all pertinent information on a regular and on-going basis 
• Leads and manages all on-boarding functions for both new clients and current clients expanding their business with company, which includes collecting required documents from new clients, communicating new business deals out to appropriate team leads, and setting up national kick-off calls 
• Regularly analyzes trends in the food and beverage industry using syndicated data and research and makes recommendations on key brand relationships to pursue 
• Spearheads strategic projects to improve department processes 
• Manages business leads through various sources such as referrals, emails, and client email inbox 
• Constructs and sends company-wide communications outlining new/lost business  

What You’ll Need 

• Experience calling on UNFI
• 3-5 years of consumer-packaged goods experience 
• 2-3 years of sales experience 
• Deep understanding of the food and beverage distribution network and retail landscape 
• Ability to speak to trends in the food and beverage marketplace 
• Strong analytical and strategic thinker; can turn self-developed strategies/efficient processes into execution 
• Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions 
• Creative problem solver who strives for results 
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be effective independently 
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented 
• Expert-level written and verbal communication skills 
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, effective relationships with clients, customers, & colleagues 
• 4-year bachelor’s degree, and/or similar industry experience  
• Proficient with all necessary computer-based programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)  

You Will Stand Out if  You Have

• Extensive CPG industry sales organization experience, in a sales/analytical capacity in food and/or beverage
• Experience working with AWG
• Direct experience working with Cub, Lunds, Coborn's

Perks 

• 16 days of PTO
• 11 paid company holidays per year 
• 2 paid volunteer days per year 
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender) 
• Bonus eligible
• Medical, dental, and vision 
• Paid company life insurance 
• 401k with company match 
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day) 
• Work from home flexibility 

Come As You Are 

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.