Event Manager Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Description
Kagome USA is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to join our growing team. This role will be critical in driving the company's long-term growth strategy by identifying and converting new sales opportunities beyond our core QSR and fast casual segments. Reporting directly to the Senior of Business Development, the Business Development Manager will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Culinary, Business Development, and the Chief Strategy Officer to identify white space opportunities, develop value-driven solutions, and ultimately close new business.
This role will also contribute directly to the company's financial success by supporting Kagome USA's revenue, operational profit, and marginal profit goals through strategic customer acquisition and thoughtful commercial execution. The ideal candidate combines a passion for food with sharp business acumen, a strong hunter mentality, and the ability to lead prospects through a consultative, insights-driven sales process.
Support the review, understanding and compliance of all programs, policies and procedures contained in the Food Safety and Quality Management System. Responsible for reporting food safety issues observed so appropriate action can be taken. Actively participate and support the 5S and MES initiatives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead Generation & Opportunity Development:
• Proactively pursue and develop new business opportunities from prioritized lead lists provided by Marketing, Business Development, and the Chief Strategy Officer.
• Evaluate and qualify leads using both qualitative and quantitative criteria to identify high-potential prospects aligned with Kagome's capabilities and strategic goals.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to uncover unmet needs and identify potential business segments outside the QSR and fast casual space, such as retail deli, convenience, meal kit providers, ghost kitchens, or non-commercial foodservice.
• Collaborate with the Senior Business Development Manager to assess commercial viability, set development priorities, and build business cases for new initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective customer needs.
• Co-create compelling white papers, concept decks, and culinary prototypes to demonstrate Kagome's value proposition and product innovation capabilities.
• Work with Marketing to provide prospects with relevant consumer insights, culinary trends, and category intelligence to support proposed solutions.
• Leverage Marketing support for meeting preparation, including collateral development, branded promotional items, and in-person or virtual presentation coordination.
Sales Funnel Advancement & Financial Impact:
• Own the sales process from first contact through close, with a focus on building trust-based relationships and delivering high-impact presentations and tasting experiences.
• Influence prospective customers by articulating Kagome's capabilities, culinary expertise, and product differentiation.
• Manage and report on sales pipeline activity, ensuring alignment with quarterly and annual revenue, operational profit, and marginal profit targets.
• Collaborate with Finance, Culinary, and Operations teams to ensure proposed customer programs are commercially viable and aligned with internal margin thresholds.
• Track performance metrics and continuously refine outreach strategy based on feedback, results, and market evolution.
Backup Marketing Events Manager:
• Act as secondary support to Marketing Events Manager in possible following areas:

• Planning and coordinating all aspects of conference events.
• Scheduling Customer Dinners
• Purchasing and arranging of customer gifts.
• Collaborating with clients to understand their needs and expectations for the event.
• Possible travel to events in support of customer event.
• Managing logistics, including coordination of marketing materials to event site.
• Coordinating with vendors, suppliers, and speakers to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Ensuring a high level of sales and customer satisfaction and addressing any issues that arise during the event.
• Evaluating the success of the event and gathering feedback for future improvements.

POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Internal Contacts
All Kagome departments
• External Contacts
Customers, especially customers' chefs, competitors' representatives and chefs, suppliers, trade organizations
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:
• Education Level and Focus
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or related field; MBA or equivalent experience preferred.
• Years and Type of Related Experience Required
5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or strategic marketing within the food & beverage industry, with a strong preference for B2B or ingredient solutions.
Deep understanding of the foodservice and ingredient supply chain landscape, including procurement, R&D, and culinary operations.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Uphold Kagome's Values:
Employee works well with others as a team and treats others with respect. Conducts self In a professional manner and exhibits the highest level of integrity. Maintains a positive attitude through good working relationships with our customers, visitors, and co-workers that emphasizes our commitment to good customer service.
Employee Retention:
Build a culture employees and/or co-workers want to be a part of. Be helpful to others and work as a team toward company goals. Participate in an exceptional onboarding experience for new hires and ensure they have the necessary tools to succeed in their roles by welcoming and assisting them. Build employee engagement, recognize, and reward employees, provide avenues for professional development, and manage to retain.
Interpersonal and Communication
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Directly interfaces with internal/external customers
Technical and Analytical
Adept at managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Familiarity with CRM systems, pipeline management, and performance reporting tools.
Administration and Operations
Computer skills using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Travel Requirements
Must be able to travel up to 25% within the US & internationally to visit customer sites and Kagome facilities.
Work Environment:
Professional kitchens, food technology labs, and office space with low noise level. May be exposed to some food-related chemicals. In production facilities, will be exposed to food processing environment with changes in temperatures and damp conditions. This is a Safety Sensitive position.
Special Equipment Used:
Personal computer (specific experience with Excel, Word & PowerPoint). General office equipment: fax, copier, phone, etc.
Requirements
Candidates located in the Central or Eastern United States are encouraged to apply. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates, if applicable.