Business Development Specialist

Reports to: Regional Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Business Development Specialist plays a critical role in enhancing our footprint in the convenience store sector, specifically focusing on innovative business-in-business models and establishing robust partnerships with our wholesale partners. This position involves franchise consulting and sales, requiring an in-depth understanding of franchise operations to cultivate and maintain relationships that boost product and equipment distribution. The ideal candidate will work closely with convenience store owners to implement and support lucrative business strategies.

Extensive travel is vital for meeting company growth and profitability objectives.

• Engage with brands such as Champs Chicken, Cooper's Express, Blu Taco, Hot Mex Express, Hangar 54, Wingman Pizza, and private label branded program sales.
• Target efforts within c-stores, grocery stores, or freestanding locations.
• Conduct cold calls to identify potential customers.
• Actively follow up on all leads from shows and other sources.
• Develop and finalize sales deals.
• Maintain a log of key daily activities.
• Seek referrals to uncover new business opportunities.
• Keep an organized and focused sales pipeline.
• Advance active leads through various stages of the sales process to successful closure.
• Execute high-impact activities consistently.
• Leverage existing relationships to generate new referrals and leads.
• Collaborate with the Retail Growth and Training Team to oversee new account details from the sales cycle through account establishment.
• Focus on optimizing truck routes or expanding sales through distribution partners.
• Solidify high-quality, profitable accounts committed to PFS's programs.
• Work closely with the Retail Growth Advisors' sales team within your territory.
• Ensure accurate CRM records for customer interactions at all times.
• Participate in food shows and on-site demonstrations that include equipment setup and tear-down, as well as food preparation.
• Facilitate equipment sales.
• Gain in-depth knowledge of equipment utilized in deli environments.
• Foster relationships with key decision-makers in large chains, including engineers and equipment buyers.
• Identify store-specific needs to provide tailored equipment solutions.
• Utilize branded programs to enhance equipment sales.
• Manage existing business relationships effectively.
• Coordinate with office staff and Retail Growth Advisors to meet all operational requirements for customers.
• Prepare new accounts for opening in conjunction with Retail Growth Advisors.
• Cross-sell additional products based on existing customer needs.
• Visit current accounts to nurture relationships with owners or decision-makers and prospect for additional store locations.
• Develop and sustain business relationships that impact company profitability and goals.
• Collaborate with vendors and distributors to cultivate referral networks and supplier relationships.
• Stay focused on achieving company objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 5+ years of sales experience, preferably in grocery, convenience store, or deli operations.
• Proven track record of closing sales in food service or related programs.
• Aptitude for securing deals effectively.
• Self-motivated with the ability to operate independently most of the time.
• Strong work ethic and a willingness to travel extensively (about 75% of the time).
• Sales-oriented with a consistent focus on customer needs.
• Effective communication skills to interact with a diverse range of individuals from owners to employees.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Technologically proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM software, Web-X, and other necessary applications—experience with Auto Quotes is a plus.
• Organizational skills for managing internal and project files.
• Maintaining a positive attitude is essential!
• Persistence in following up is a must!
• Personable and approachable demeanor.
• Ability to manage time and schedules efficiently.

• Approximately 25% of the work will be done in an office environment.
• Extensive travel, up to 75%, by car and some by air, is expected to cover the…