Business Development Manager – Italian Specialty

About the role

The Business Development Manager – Italian Specialty will drive growth by creating new opportunities and expanding existing relationships within the foodservice sector. This role focuses on multi‑unit group business, platinum‑level account retention, and recovering previously lost accounts.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and develop sales opportunities across current and untapped foodservice channels using a research‑driven approach.
• Collaborate with sales teams to target prospects and meet budgeted sales goals.
• Design and execute a goal‑oriented plan for each opportunity, tailoring solutions to customer needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision‑makers, ensuring smooth onboarding and ongoing account oversight.
• Analyze menus, trends, and order guides to generate actionable customer recommendations.
• Clean and interpret raw data to produce clear cost‑comparison insights for clients.
• Gather street‑level business intelligence and translate it into follow‑up actions and appointments.
• Create customized sales presentation content for each prospect.
• Coordinate with transportation to optimize route tonnage and support logistics.
• Travel to account headquarters for meetings and support activities.

Required profile

• Proven high‑closing ability and strong sales acumen.
• Creative, outside‑the‑box thinking to develop tailored solutions.
• Excellent relationship‑building skills with key decision‑makers.
• Analytical mindset for trend and data analysis.
• Collaborative approach with internal sales and operations teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work with a leading specialty food distributor.
• Access to a broad network of over 50,000 customers.
• Supportive, entrepreneurial culture focused on quality and innovation.