Director of Business Development

Director Of Business Development – Foodservice

The Director of Business Development – Foodservice is responsible for leading profitable growth across the foodservice channel through new business development, expansion of strategic customer relationships, and execution of channel-specific go-to-market strategies. This role serves as the primary commercial leader and owner of the foodservice channel, accountable for shaping strategy, driving customer outcomes, and representing the channel internally across the organization.

The Director will build and develop relationships with both existing and new customers across multiple levels of customer organizations, including operations, procurement, commercial, and executive leadership. This role leads the end-to-end business development process, from opportunity identification through commercialization, while partnering closely with Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, R&D, and Executive Leadership to ensure scalable, profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Channel Growth

• Own and lead business development strategy for the entire foodservice channel, with accountability for top-line growth, margin performance, and long-term customer partnerships.
• Drive new customer acquisition and expansion of existing customer relationships, with strong emphasis on broadline foodservice distributors, national and regional operators, and distributor-enabled customers.
• Develop and execute foodservice go-to-market strategies, aligning customer needs, market trends, and internal operational capabilities.
• Build and develop relationships with new customers at varying levels within customer organizations, including executive and senior decision makers.
• Maintain a robust, forward-looking pipeline of qualified opportunities and ensure accurate forecasting and demand planning.
• Create and execute strategic, multi-year account plans focused on growth, penetration, and customer value creation.

Customer, Distributor & Executive Relationship Management

• Serve as the senior commercial point of contact for key foodservice customers and distributor partners.
• Influence decision-making across customer organizations and drive alignment between customer objectives and Maker's Pride capabilities.
• Lead distributor strategy, drive pull-through execution, and strengthen relationships with distributor leadership, sales, and category management teams.
• Negotiate complex commercial agreements, including pricing models, contracts, expenditures, and long-term supply arrangements.

Go-to-Market Leadership & Commercialization

• Lead major product development and commercialization initiatives within the foodservice portfolio.
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Commercialization, Legal, and Finance to deliver executable customer solutions.
• Ensure new business opportunities meet financial, operational, and strategic criteria prior to commercialization.
• Drive pricing strategy, margin management, volume forecasting, and financial performance for both new and ongoing business.

Internal Leadership & Strategic Influence

• Act as the sole internal owner and voice of the foodservice channel, leading elevated internal conversations and influencing cross-functional and executive stakeholders.
• Translate external market and customer insights into clear internal direction and priorities.
• Partner with senior leadership to align foodservice strategy with broader enterprise objectives.
• Represent the company at industry events, tradeshows, and customer/vendor summits to strengthen market presence and brand credibility.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required

Experience:

• • 10+ years of foodservice sales or business development experience.
  • Direct experience with broadline foodservice distributors required.
  • Proven experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder customer relationships and channel strategy.
  • Background in food manufacturing and operational environments strongly preferred.

Technical Skills: Proficient in MS Office Suite, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Co-Pilot.

Skills:

• • Demonstrated ability to lead at a strategic, enterprise level and influence outcomes without direct authority.
  • Strong financial and business acumen, including understanding of P&L drivers and margin management.
  • Proven success developing go-to-market strategies and commercial models.
  • Ability to build trusted relationships across all organizational levels, internally and externally.
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent executive-level communication, presentation, and decision-making abilities.
  • Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $141,436-$212,154 /year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.