Business Development Director - Dairy Segment

Overview

This role involves leading commercial growth efforts within the dairy market segment for a partner company based in the United States. The Business Development Director will drive revenue growth, build strong customer partnerships, and expand market opportunities by implementing effective business strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive growth plans for the dairy segment, including market prioritization, revenue targets, and expansion strategies.
• Discover and activate new business prospects through enterprise accounts, channel development, emerging applications, and strategic alliances.
• Design multi-year commercial plans aligned with corporate goals and provide leadership with insights into performance, pipeline status, and forecasting.
• Manage and grow strategic customer accounts by cultivating executive-level relationships and serving as a trusted partner.
• Create custom growth approaches centered on customer value, cross-selling, market extension, and longer-term retention.
• Lead high-level executive engagements, business reviews, and strategic conversations to showcase value and unlock future opportunities.
• Establish and sustain a robust sales pipeline by identifying, qualifying, and advancing impactful opportunities.
• Oversee complex sales processes from lead generation through negotiation and closing, employing rigorous forecasting and pipeline management.
• Utilize structured qualification methods to prioritize opportunities and enhance commercial efficiency.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, technical services, and operations teams to deliver integrated strategies and customer programs.
• Serve as a market authority by tracking customer needs, regulatory updates, competition, and industry trends.
• Convert market insights into actionable guidance for commercial, product, and marketing initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Science, or a similar discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 8 years experience in food safety, diagnostics, dairy, or related areas, preferably with direct exposure to the dairy sector.
• Proven track record in business development, strategic account management, sales leadership, or segment ownership roles.
• Experience managing complex enterprise-level accounts with multi-location customer relationships.
• Strong commercial insight with the ability to craft and implement growth strategies at the segment level.
• Proficiency with CRM systems such as Salesforce, MS Dynamics, or equivalents for pipeline and forecasting management.
• Advanced consultative sales skills capable of articulating value and influencing executive stakeholders.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Capacity to guide cross-functional teams and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Robust analytical skills to interpret market data and performance metrics and drive informed decisions.
• A high degree of responsibility, initiative, autonomy, and strategic perspective.
• Willingness to travel extensively (approximately 60-75%) to engage with customers, develop markets, and attend industry events.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based variable compensation linked to growth, pipeline development, and revenue results.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage effective from the first day of employment.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid leave to promote work-life balance.
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and training.
• Meaningful work contributing to food safety and global impact in the dairy industry.
• A culture that emphasizes innovation, teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Flexible remote work arrangements combined with required travel.