Director of Business Development
- OFI
- Chicago, Illinois
- 9 days ago
- Full Time
Job Summary
Employment Type
Full Time
Job Description
We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we're with, whatever we're doing, we always make it real . Position Summary Reporting to SVP and Business Head of Chilies the Business Development Business Development Director is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities to drive revenue growth in Canned Beans and Canned / Frozen vegetables. This role involves strategic planning, market analysis, relationship building, and closing deals. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, results-oriented professional with a strong understanding of the food industry in USA especially canned foods and Frozen Vegetables. Position Responsibilities
- Market Research and Analysis:
- Identify and research potential buyers for Canned Beans and Vegetables and IQF / DHF vegetables.
- Analyze import and domestic supply trends, production and buyer requirements for the above-mentioned products.
- Analyze competitor activities, and customers need to identify new business opportunities.
- Conduct SWOT analysis to assess the category strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and devise an entry and winning strategy.
- Design a medium-to-the-long-term strategy and profitability forecasts for the above business.
- Strategic Partnerships and Drive Sales
- Generate leads through various channels, including networking, cold calling, online research, and industry events.
- Qualify leads and prioritize opportunities based on potential value and alignment with company goals.
- Understand, vet and validate costing of products and all other associated costs for building and decide customer pricing.
- Ensure sizeable market share for the above-mentioned categories in a 2-3-year horizon.
- Liaise with the PL, ingredient and Food Service sales teams to drive the category sales growth.
- Relationship Building and Networking:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders to establish long-term and strategic tie ups with buyers.
- Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to expand professional industry network.
- Represent the company professionally and build awareness about ofi.
- Sales and Negotiation:
- Negotiate contracts and agreements to maximize profitability.
- Close deals and achieve sales targets.
- Work closely with the sales team to ensure smooth handover of new clients.
- Strategic Planning and Development:
- Collaborate with internal teams (demand forecasting, sales. innovation) to align sourcing strategy and partnerships.
- Track and report on business development activities and results.
- Develop and maintain a business development plan.
- Client Retention and Growth:
- Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling to existing clients.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field (master's degree preferred).
- Ten (10) years of previous sales, business development or brand management experience is required.
- Five (5) years of experience in US markets required.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in the food industry required, with a strong preference for expertise in vegetables or canning.
- Proven success in P&L management, with the ability to drive profitability and strategic growth.
- Strong relationship management skills-experienced in fostering connections with both customers and internal stakeholders to support business expansion.
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex concepts effectively.
- Ability to build trust and credibility across all levels, internally and externally, to drive collaboration and influence key decisions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset, capable of navigating challenges in a dynamic environment.
- Strong analytical and research abilities to identify trends, market opportunities, and areas for growth.
- Self-motivated and results-driven, with a passion for delivering impact in a fast-paced, evolving space.
Job Summary
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefit Insights
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
401(k)
Holiday Pay
Health & Wellness Programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Medical Flexible Spending Account
Paid Parental Leave
Life Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
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Job ID: 486463684
Originally Posted on: 7/23/2025