Business Development Manager

C.A. Carlin is a leading privately held sales agency in the CPG industry, focused on building brand value through strategic partnerships. The Business Development Manager will develop and implement sales strategies, manage client relationships, and identify new business opportunities to drive growth.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients
• Build trust-based relationships and ensure alignment with client goals
• Act as a client advocate internally to deliver exceptional service
• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue targets
• Present product lines to buyers, focusing on assortment, promotional planning, and execution
• Negotiate pricing, placement, and promotional opportunities
• Identify new business opportunities and lead efforts to secure incremental sales
• Monitor competitive activity and industry trends to inform growth strategies
• Analyze sales data and market trends to provide actionable insights
• Prepare regular reports on performance, opportunities, and challenges
• Partner with internal teams (analytics, retail, sales support) to execute client initiatives
• Ensure alignment and timely delivery of promotional programs and product launches

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher required
• 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
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), and Adobe Acrobat
• Sales & Negotiation: Proven ability to lead sales strategy, negotiate complex agreements, and consistently deliver against revenue and growth targets
• Client Relationship Management: Strong track record of owning senior‑level client relationships, building long‑term partnerships, and serving as a trusted advisor
• Strategic & Commercial Thinking: Ability to develop and execute account strategies that align client objectives with company goals, driving sustainable growth
• Communication & Executive Presentation: Confident presenter and communicator with experience leading buyer meetings, executive reviews, and high‑impact presentations
• Data Analysis & Business Insights: Skilled in analyzing sales performance, market trends, and competitive activity to inform strategy and decision‑making
• Retail & Category Expertise: Deep understanding of retail environments, category management, assortment strategy, and shopper behavior
• Leadership & Influence: Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives, influence stakeholders, and mentor junior team members without direct authority
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Experienced in partnering with analytics, marketing, supply chain, and operations teams to deliver integrated client solutions
• Project & Pipeline Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts, initiatives, and deadlines simultaneously
• Adaptability & Results Orientation: Thrives in fast‑paced environments, adjusts quickly to changing priorities, and maintains focus on results
• Preferred 2-3 years of experience working for or with a food & beverage broker/sales agency
• Prior experience working with and analyzing data from SPINS, Nielsen and/or IRI