Remote Automotive Business Development Manager Jobs in Roxana, IL

Senior Manager / Director of Business Development

The Olive Oil Factory
Location: 770 Chadbourne Rd, Fairfield, CA 94534

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an entrepreneurial and results-driven Senior Manager / Director of Business Development to lead commercial growth through new customer acquisition and expansion of existing client relationships.

Position Summary

This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role responsible for generating profitable revenue growth by securing new co-manufacturing partnerships while expanding business with existing customers.

The ideal candidate is a proven business development professional with a hunter mentality, exceptional relationship-building skills, and experience managing complex sales cycles within the food manufacturing, co-manufacturing, private label, or CPG industries.

Beyond driving revenue, this individual will help build the commercial infrastructure, sales processes, CRM systems, and performance metrics necessary to support long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Develop and execute strategies to acquire new co-manufacturing customers
• Identify and prospect emerging brands, CPG companies, retailers, distributors, and foodservice organizations
• Build and manage a robust pipeline through networking, referrals, outbound prospecting, and industry events
• Lead opportunities from initial contact through proposal development, contract negotiation, and commercialization
• Deliver compelling presentations and value-based solutions to prospective clients
• Represent The Olive Oil Factory at trade shows and industry conferences

Account Growth

• Serve as a strategic partner to existing customers
• Identify opportunities for new products, packaging innovations, line extensions, and expanded manufacturing programs
• Develop account growth strategies that increase revenue and customer retention
• Conduct regular business reviews with key customer stakeholders
• Partner with Operations, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure successful project execution

Commercial Strategy & Process Development

• Build scalable business development processes and best practices
• Evaluate and implement CRM platforms, pipeline management tools, and reporting systems
• Develop KPIs, forecasting methodologies, and sales performance metrics
• Create standardized account planning, sales materials, and customer engagement processes
• Develop reporting dashboards that provide visibility into pipeline activity, sales performance, and account growth

Commercial Governance

• Review customer agreements, exclusivity provisions, and contractual obligations
• Ensure new opportunities comply with existing commercial agreements
• Partner with leadership and legal resources to identify and mitigate commercial risk

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Procurement, Quality, Finance, and Executive Leadership
• Provide market intelligence on industry trends, customer needs, and competitive activity
• Participate in strategic planning and growth initiatives
• Serve as the voice of the customer throughout the organization

Qualifications

Required

• 5–10 years of business development, sales, account management, or commercial leadership experience within food manufacturing, co-manufacturing, contract manufacturing, private label, ingredients, or CPG industries
• Proven success acquiring new customers and growing existing accounts
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing operations and commercialization
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated with the ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment
• Willingness to travel as needed

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field
• Experience selling co-manufacturing or private label manufacturing services
• Experience with sauces, oils, dressings, beverages, condiments, or specialty foods
• Established network within the food, beverage, retail, foodservice, or CPG industries
• Experience implementing CRM platforms and commercial infrastructure
• Knowledge of food manufacturing regulations, quality systems, and commercialization processes

Success Metrics

Performance in this role will be measured by:

• New customer acquisition
• Annual revenue growth
• Existing account expansion and retention
• Pipeline development and conversion rates
• New manufacturing programs secured
• Gross margin contribution
• Forecast accuracy
• Successful commercialization of customer projects
• CRM adoption and commercial process implementation
• Customer satisfaction and long-term partnership growth

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12–18 months, you will:

• Build a strong pipeline of qualified business opportunities
• Secure new co-manufacturing partnerships that drive meaningful revenue growth
• Expand existing customer relationships through new products and manufacturing programs
• Implement scalable CRM and pipeline management processes
• Establish key sales metrics and reporting tools
• Become a trusted advisor to customers and internal stakeholders
• Help build the commercial foundation for the company's continued growth

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based incentive program
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

The Olive Oil Factory is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.