Business Development Manager - UNFI

Who We Are  

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new heights. We are one of the leading privately held sales agencies in the industry. Thanks to nimble growth and associations with our operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie, we have built brand value that is unlike any other in the CPG industry.  

What We Do  

Since our start in 1962, we have built industry relationships on the foundation of trust and action. We turn information into insight. We convert insight into programs. We drive programs that consistently deliver results to our clients, on their timeline.  

We have more than 300 associates and multiple offices throughout the country. We represent top brands in many categories such as confection, snack, grocery, beverage, frozen, dairy etc. 

Overview of the Role  

• As the Business Development Manager - UNFI, you will develop strategic business plans that integrate client goals with the retail customer’s goals to develop a winning sales strategy for clients, retail partners, and C.A. Carlin. This role will be an integral part of, developing, building, and maintaining credible and long-term Client relationships and retail partner relationships.


• Experience selling to UNFI Conventional HQ & downstream retailers needed. Retailer merchant and key decision maker connectivity desired. 


• Location: Must be local to Eden Prairie, MN office to observe hybrid schedule (2-3 day in office)


• Salary range $85,000 - $115,000 based on experience, qualifications and skills


• Travel Requirements: Travel required up to 20-25% – i.e. Client sales meetings; major Industry shows and client/retailer events: Sweets & Snacks Expo, UNFI Trade shows; all other travel is within assigned market (automobile)  


• At C.A. Carlin, we value commitment and long-term growth. We’re on a mission to build better brands. If you’re looking for a sign to apply—this is it! 

What You’ll Do at C.A. Carlin 

• Lead sales-related activities on behalf of our clients to maximize sales & profitability results.  


• Liaison between our clients & retailers providing “best in class” & prompt communication.  


• Assist with KPI’s & strategies, annual planning & promotional goals to grow sales & revenue.  


• Aid client negotiations & provide solutions to overcome challenges; unique ideas & opportunities wanted. 


• Offer strategic guidance around marketing plans for using retailer tools. 


• Prepare quarterly & annual business reviews for both clients & C.A. internal teams. 


• Manage client UNFI centralized categories and effectively communicate client strategies, programs, promotions, and trade plans nationally to downstream retailer teams.  

What You Should Bring to the Table

• Experience calling on UNFI


• 3-5 years of consumer-packaged goods experience 


• Minimum of 3 years of sales experience with UNFI Conventional


• 4-year bachelor’s degree, and/or similar industry experience  


• Proficient with all necessary computer-based programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)  


• Analytical thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset eager to develop sales for our clients & C.A. client portfolio. 


• Passion for industry with proven examples of growing brands at retail.  


• Possesses strong & effective presentation & negotiation skills. 


• Demonstrates exceptional relationship-building & management skills.  


• Effectively interact & communicate with merchants, senior management, clients, & internal teams.  


• Understands & uses data & category insights to create best-in-class sales presentations. 


• Strong knowledge of retailer’s systems, policies, procedures, and ways of working 


• Initiative-taking and able to work independently with minimal supervision. 


• Possesses strong management & organizational skills. 

You Will Stand Out if  You Have

• Extensive CPG industry sales organization experience, in a sales/analytical capacity in food and/or beverage

Perks 

• 16 days of PTO


• 11 paid company holidays per year 


• 2 paid volunteer days per year 


• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender) 


• Bonus eligible


• Medical, dental, and vision 


• Paid company life insurance 


• 401k with company match 


• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day) 


• Work from home flexibility 

Come As You Are 

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.