Business Development Manager

Business Development ManagerOptional Work from Home • Performance Pet Products - Mitchell, SD 57301; Remote Minnesota - Redwood Falls, MN 56283OverviewSalary Range $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 Base+Commission/month Level Experienced Position Type Full Time Job Shift 1st (Day Shift) Education Level Bachelors Travel Percentage 50%+ Category SalesDescriptionFarmers Union Industries, LLC, also known as FUI, is a leading agricultural-based manufacturing company headquartered in Redwood Falls, MN. Our current operations include Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, Midwest Grease, Artex Manufacturing, Redwood Farms Meat Processors, and Performance Pet Products. Performance Pet, located in Mitchell, SD, works with brands both large and small to create an assortment of canned dog and cat foods. Performance Pet Products is seeking a results-driven Business Development Manager to drive profitable growth within our pet food co-manufacturing business. This role is responsible for developing new customer relationships, expanding strategic accounts, and identifying growth opportunities across wet pet food manufacturing, new product development, and customer commercialization.The Business Development Manager will maintain a strong external focus, developing relationships with pet food brands, retailers, and strategic industry partners. This position will work closely with sales leadership, customer service, R&D, procurement, operations, production planning, and logistics to align customer growth opportunities with Performance Pet Products' manufacturing capabilities and long-term capacity strategy.This position will provide a base salary + opportunity for commission and remote work option. We offer a competitive salary and a complete benefits package includes health, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, an impressive 401K match, and much more!ScheduleMonday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pmAdditional hours may be necessary for customer supportAreas of AccountabilityAll areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and TeamworkBusiness Development & Growth Strategic Customer Management Market & Product DevelopmentCross-Functional Leadership Commercial PerformanceEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute sales strategies focused on growing the pet food co-manufacturing businessIdentify, prospect, and secure new branded, private label, and strategic co-manufacturing customersDevelop and maintain a qualified pipeline of new business opportunitiesExpand existing customer relationships through new products, SKUs, formats, and volumeLead commercial discussions involving pricing, volume, capacity, and customer programsNegotiate customer programs and commercial agreements within established company guidelinesAchieve assigned volume, revenue, margin, and capacity utilization objectivesDevelop long-term relationships with key customer decision-makersMaintain regular customer contact through onsite visits, business reviews, and industry eventsUnderstand customer brand strategies, innovation pipelines, product needs, and long-term growth objectivesIdentify customer risks, competitive threats, and opportunities for account growthServe as the commercial owner of assigned customer relationshipsPartner with Customer Service and Sales Support on daily account execution and customer communicationMaintain a strong understanding of Performance Pet Products' manufacturing capabilitiesMonitor pet food trends, competitive activity, packaging innovation, and customer demandIdentify opportunities across wet pet food, functional formulas, premium products, toppers, and emerging formatsProvide customer and market feedback to sales leadership, R&D, and operationsIdentify strategic product and manufacturing capability opportunitiesSupport customer commercialization and new product development initiativesWork with R&D and customers to advance new product concepts and commercialization projectsCoordinate with operations and production planning to align customer demand with available capacityCommunicate customer forecasts, volume changes, launches, and new opportunities to internal teamsPartner with Customer Service and Sales Support on order execution, product releases, and shipment coordinationWork with procurement on ingredient and packaging requirements for customer programsParticipate in sales forecasting, capacity planning, and profitability reviewsDevelop and maintain account growth plans for assigned customers and prospectsTrack volume, revenue, margin, capacity utilization, and account performanceMaintain accurate customer and sales opportunity informationProvide regular pipeline and business development updatesManage commercial opportunity pipelines from initial customer engagement through production launchProactively identify opportunities to improve customer and program profitabilityMaintain regular and predictable on-site attendanceTravel up to 50%, annuallySituations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Animal Science, Meat Science, or related field preferred5+ years of experience in pet food, food manufacturing, co-manufacturing, ingredients, or business development preferredStrong understanding of pet food manufacturing and commercialization processes preferredProven ability to develop new customer relationships and grow existing accountsStrong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skillsAbility to travel as neededGrowth-oriented business development mindsetStrong commercial and margin-management instinctsCustomer-focused relationship builderComfortable prospecting and developing new businessStrong understanding of the pet food industry and co-manufacturing environmentAbility to manage complex customer commercialization projectsSelf-motivated with a high level of accountabilityCollaborative and comfortable working across departmentsPhysical RequirementsPerform desk work (sitting or standing) for up to 100% of workdayRepetitively use wrist, hand, and/or fingers