The Fountain Group is currently seeking a Sales/Business Development Manager for a prominent client of ours. This position is remote. Details for the position are as follows:
Sales/Business Development Manager – Thermal ProcessingSalary: $150,000 – $200,000 per year base salary + commission
Location: Remote (U.S. – East Coast preferred; proximity to a major airport required) - ASAP start
Travel: ~30%
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Business Development Manager to lead the commercial growth of a newly launched thermal processing platform within a value-added food production environment.
This individual will be responsible for identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities across retail, foodservice, ingredient manufacturing, and CPG channels. The role requires a blend of strong sales expertise, technical understanding of food processing, and the ability to build a business from the ground up.
This is a high-impact, greenfield opportunity ideal for someone who thrives in building new revenue streams, developing customer relationships, and commercializing innovative food solutions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Development & Revenue Growth
- Develop and execute go-to-market strategies for thermal processing capabilities
- Identify and secure new customers across CPG, foodservice, and retail channels
- Build and manage a robust pipeline from prospecting through commercialization
- Expand existing customer relationships into value-added processed categories
- Lead pricing strategy, contract negotiations, and margin optimization
- Drive forecasting and revenue planning
- Develop a strong understanding of thermal processing capabilities (e.g., pasteurization, cooking, shelf-stable applications)
- Translate manufacturing capabilities into customer-focused solutions
- Partner with operations and R&D teams to assess feasibility, costing, and timelines
- Present differentiated solutions to meet customer product development needs
- Address technical and commercial challenges throughout the sales cycle
- Act as the liaison between Sales, Operations, R&D, and Supply Chain
- Ensure smooth transition from concept to commercialization
- Collaborate with marketing and channel leaders to align go-to-market efforts
- Provide insights on market trends, customer needs, and competitive positioning
- Monitor trends in shelf-stable foods, sauces, salsas, and plant-based categories
- Identify white-space opportunities for new product development
- Evaluate competitive landscape including contract manufacturers and food processors
- Contribute to long-term growth strategy for the processing platform
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 10–15+ years of total professional experience, with 6+ years in food/CPG sales
- Proven success in business development and new account acquisition
- Experience in food manufacturing, contract manufacturing, or product development
- Strong understanding of food production environments and food safety standards
- Ability to translate technical manufacturing capabilities into commercial value
- Demonstrated experience taking products from concept to commercialization
- Strong negotiation, forecasting, and pipeline management skills
- Proficiency with CRM, ERP systems, and Microsoft 365
- Willingness to travel up to 30%
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in thermal processing, co-packing, or shelf-stable food production
- Background in produce, fresh foods, or value-added food categories (salsa experience a plus)
- Existing relationships within retail grocery, foodservice, or CPG sectors
- Experience launching new product lines or building new business platforms
- Exposure to marketing strategy and go-to-market execution
Key Competencies
- Strategic & Consultative Selling
- Technical Acumen (Food Processing/Manufacturing)
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Negotiation & Margin Management
- Market Development & Customer Acquisition
- Executive Presence
Performance Metrics (KPIs)
- New revenue generated
- Gross margin performance
- New customer acquisition
- Pipeline growth and conversion rates
- Product commercialization timelines
- Customer retention and expansion
Why Join
This role offers the opportunity to build and scale a new business platform within a growing segment of the food industry. You will play a critical role in shaping strategy, driving innovation, and delivering high-impact commercial results in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
Interview Process
- Round 1: Virtual interview
- Round 2: Panel interview
- Round 3: Onsite interview
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