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Business Development Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

CIA

Business Development Manager

Napa, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

The Business Development Manager serves as a primary ambassador for the organization, building strong external relationships, representing the brand in the marketplace, and driving sustained revenue ...

Fooda

Business Development Manager

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

Position Overview With our expanding growth, Fooda is looking for a highly driven, outgoing, and competitive Business Development Manager to join our Bay Area team. Fooda's BDM team is a high ...

Vestis

Business Development Executive

Novato, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Overview The Business Development Executive (BDE) will lead the activities in selected target markets to identify and assist high volume healthcare opportunities. The BDE will assist in the ...

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All JobsBusiness Development JobsBusiness Development Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Business Development information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$39.9K

$93.6K

$162.9K

How much do business development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development in Santa Rosa, CA is $93,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $109,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is the salary of a business development manager?

The salary of a business development manager typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Many roles also include performance-based bonuses and benefits, and strong skills in sales, negotiation, and market analysis can influence compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Business Development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Business Development professional, you need strong market research skills, sales acumen, networking ability, and typically a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, data analysis tools, and lead generation platforms is often required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving revenue for the organization.

What is business development?

Business development refers to the strategies, activities, and processes that organizations use to grow and expand their business. This can include identifying new markets, forming partnerships, generating leads, and creating long-term value for the organization. Professionals in business development often work closely with sales, marketing, and product teams to drive growth and increase revenue. Their role is crucial for helping companies find new opportunities and stay competitive in the market.

What Jobs Are in Business Development?

Business development jobs are available in most industries. They include specialists, associates, coordinators, sales and executive positions, advisors, and various seniority levels (President, VP, etc.) based on the size of the company. There are also consultant positions if you prefer to be an independent contractor. Entry to mid-level positions require 1-5 years of experience and include representatives, associates, and specialists who focus on increasing sales. Senior level positions include directors, managers, and presidents, which require in-depth knowledge of your chosen industry and 5-10 years of proven sales success.

What are some common challenges faced by business development professionals when entering new markets?

Business development professionals often encounter challenges such as understanding local customer needs, navigating unfamiliar regulations, and building new relationships in untapped markets. They must adapt strategies to fit cultural differences and market dynamics, which may require additional research and flexible thinking. Collaborating with local teams, leveraging existing networks, and staying updated on market trends can help overcome these obstacles and pave the way for successful market entry.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In business development, high-level roles such as senior executives, strategic consultants, or top sales directors can earn $2000 or more per day through commissions, bonuses, or high salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong negotiation skills, and often involve managing large accounts or business strategies. Compensation varies based on industry, company size, and individual performance.

Is business development high paying?

Business development roles can offer high earning potential, especially for those with strong sales skills, industry experience, and a track record of generating revenue. Salaries vary widely based on the company, location, and level of responsibility, with many positions including performance-based bonuses or commissions. Overall, it is considered a lucrative career path for individuals who excel in relationship building and strategic growth.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

Business Development Managers often face stress due to targets, client negotiations, and maintaining relationships. The role requires strong communication, time management, and resilience, especially in competitive or high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between Business Development vs Sales?

AspectBusiness DevelopmentSales
Primary FocusIdentifying new market opportunities and partnershipsClosing deals and generating revenue
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, market research, relationship buildingClient meetings, negotiations, direct selling
Required SkillsNetworking, strategic thinking, industry knowledgeCommunication, persuasion, product knowledge
Common CertificationsBusiness development certifications, MBA often preferredSales certifications, product-specific training

While both roles aim to grow the company's revenue, Business Development focuses on creating strategic partnerships and exploring new markets, whereas Sales concentrates on closing deals with clients. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the appropriate professional for your business needs.

More about Business Development jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Business Development jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Business Development jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Business Development jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Business Development jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Business Development jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Business Development job openings:
Business Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Business Development job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,592 per year, or $45 per hour.
Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

CIA

Napa, CA • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Culinary Institute Of America rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

501st of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The hiring salary for this position is $85,000.
The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!
As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Business Development Manager leads end-to-end business development, actively generating new Special Event and Food Enthusiast opportunities through targeted field prospecting and transforming inbound Food Enthusiast interest into measurable revenue. This role is focused on identifying, cultivating, and securing new local and regional business opportunities across corporate, social, culinary, and consumer-driven segments. The Business Development Manager serves as a primary ambassador for the organization, building strong external relationships, representing the brand in the marketplace, and driving sustained revenue growth. This position is accountable for the full outbound sales cycle-from prospecting and lead qualification through contract execution, follow-up, and final payment-while ensuring a seamless handoff of secured business to internal teams responsible for execution. The Business Development Manager maintains an individual sales portfolio and is measured on new business development, lead conversion, and overall revenue performance to ensure achievement of annual sales goals for California. This position also oversees the process for transferring all knowledge regarding events to the staff responsible for event execution prior to client hand-off.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develops and executes an annual outbound sales strategy to achieve forecasted revenue and new business targets while delivering a high level of customer service. Proactively identifies, prospects, and secures new Special Event and Food Enthusiast business opportunities through in-person sales calls, site visits, networking, community engagement, and regional travel. Serves as the primary point of contact for all inbound food enthusiast leads, ensuring timely follow-up, qualification, nurturing, and conversion into confirmed business.
  • Works closely with Food Enthusiast Manager and the CIA Consulting team to ensure converted Food Enthusiast leads are successfully executed. Builds and maintains strong relationships with corporate clients, culinary organizations, destination partners, community groups, and regional stakeholders.
  • Identifies emerging markets, new audience segments, and partnership opportunities to support long-term growth.
  • Participates in the development of new products, experiences, and sales initiatives targeted to external clients.
  • Ensures consistent communication of standard rates, packages, and promotional offerings to prospective clients.
  • Demonstrates accountability for achieving measurable results, including revenue growth, lead conversion, and customer acquisition.
  • Develops annual performance goals and works with sales team to create goals to enhance customer satisfaction and overall financial performance.
  • Collaborates with the sales team on the development of all Events Sales materials and regularly reviews materials to ensure the quality exemplifies the CIA's standard of excellence.
  • Schedules and conducts site visits for prospective clients.
  • Efficiently and effectively qualifies event leads, including event date(s), space requirements, Food and Beverage and other service or support requirements.
  • Oversees the preparation of event proposals proactively and timely to best match client expectations, department capabilities, and established margins.
  • Coordinates space bookings for all events at Greystone and Copia.
  • Provides financial reporting, including periodic sales reports, forecasting and analysis. Works with the Senior Director Food and Beverage-CA all financial planning matters that affect events. Provides analysis of actual results, including recommendations for improvements and maximization of margins.
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of all sales activity, pipeline status, and client interactions.
  • Participates in the development of new products and services.
  • Coordinates with internal public relations and marketing departments to promote events products and services by developing social media strategy, printed/electronic sales brochures, and maintenance of web presence.
  • Represents the organization in the field at industry events, local, regional, and national trade shows, networking functions, and community activities to expand brand awareness and sales reach while maintaining membership in key associations in the local area.
  • Prepares and executes plans for identifying new markets and clients for events.
  • Coordinates with the Executive Chef on menu planning functions and events. Works closely with the Senior Director Food and Beverage Operations on costing of events and defining food and labor costs in order to maintain established margins. Ensures the clear communication of standard and discount rates to all teams.
  • Works with the Senior Director Food and Beverage departmental financial requirements, including forecasting, budgeting, and expense management.
  • Works with event execution team to ensure that all events are properly staffed and supervised.
  • Coordinates with other key departments in marketing strategies, cross-marketing of services/products and cost reduction through combined purchases.
  • Coordinates with other key departments at Greystone, including safety, security, facilities, food and beverage operations, events and the demo theater to ensure a seamless guest experience at the campus.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary or Tourism or equivalent work experience in lieu thereof.

Experience:
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience in sales, business development, events or related customer-facing roles.
  • Minimum three (3) years in outbound or field-based sales or demonstrated equivalent level of success in generating new business.

Licenses:
  • Must have valid Drivers license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in hospitality, food and beverage, events, or consumer experiential sales strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with a variety of food, beverage and service styles and/or programs suitable for corporate, social and charitable events.
  • Working knowledge of Catering Software, such as Triple Seat.
  • Proven experience managing both outbound prospecting and inbound lead conversion.
  • Experience selling to corporate clients, or regional tourism and destination markets.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills with the ability to influence and build rapport with diverse audiences.
  • Must have demonstrated ability in organizational, time management, problem solving and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong prospecting, negotiation, and closing skills with a results-driven mindset.
  • Excellent event management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, leads, and accounts simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to show a high level of service responsiveness to customers.
  • Strong knowledge of computers including abilities to work effectively with MS Office Suite products, i.e. Word and Excel.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills.
  • Must have a proven, consistent track record showing the ability to work with all levels within an organization.
  • Must display a high level of energy, initiative, self-motivation, and accountability.
  • Ability to work independently in the field or in a team environment and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of the team.
  • Broad business savvy, with a solid grasp of financial and operating goals.
  • Must have a track record of achieving measurable success for meeting objectives, managing costs and achieving change.
  • Analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, pipeline metrics, and forecasts.
  • Strong computer proficiency, including MS Office Suite and CRM platforms.
  • Professional presence and ability to serve as a trusted brand representative.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Must be available to work nights and weekends as required due to business needs.
  • Must be able to work at both CIA California campuses.
  • Must be able to travel locally and regionally for outbound sales activities.
  • Regular work requires a great deal of sitting, driving, standing, and lifting.
  • Must be able to stand for eight (8) hours.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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