Location: Ontario (successful candidate ideally resides within the Oakville to Niagara corridor)
Salary Range: $75,000-$90,000 + strong bonus potential + strong car allowance = all-in annual earning potential between $120,000 to $130,000
Note: This is a newly created and currently vacant role and no AI will be used in qualifying candidates
A fast-growing and innovation-focused food organization is seeking a field-based Business Development Manager located in the Greater Toronto Area to support continued growth across Ontario West (specifically the Golden Horseshoe territory). This role is responsible for driving sales growth, expanding customer relationships, and strengthening partnerships within the foodservice channel, including independent restaurants, chain accounts, and distributor networks.
The successful candidate will work closely with distributor sales teams and foodservice operators to deliver value-added culinary solutions while identifying new business opportunities and market trends. This position requires a highly motivated and entrepreneurial sales professional with strong relationship-building skills and a passion for the food industry.
This role would be ideal for a former/current chef/culinary professional that has some sales experience and would love an opportunity to combine those two worlds. Someone that has a passion for business development, building new customer relationships, making connections, and facilitating opportunities. A hunter/digger mentality will definitely be required for this role!
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic sales plans aligned with company growth objectives across Ontario.
- Drive new business development through customer acquisition, market expansion, and revenue growth initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with independent restaurants, chain accounts, broadline distributors, and strategic partners.
- Collaborate with distributor sales teams to support product growth, customer engagement, and sales execution.
- Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive activity to uncover growth opportunities.
- Conduct regular business reviews with key customers to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for expansion.
- Represent the organization at trade shows, culinary events, customer meetings, and industry functions.
- Work collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams to support broader sales and business objectives.
Qualifications & Experience
- University degree in business, sales management, marketing, or a related field preferred.
- Some sales/business development experience within foodservice, CPG, or a related industry.
- Strong understanding of the foodservice sector, distributor landscape, and customer relationship management.
- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities and business acumen.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software, and related business tools.
- Previous culinary experience is considered a strong asset.
- Social media and marketing experience considered beneficial.
- Bilingual capabilities considered an asset.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle, with regular travel required throughout the GTA and Ontario.
What’s Offered
- Competitive compensation package including benefits and retirement savings support.
- Flexible work environment with strong focus on training and professional development.
- Opportunity to join a collaborative, growth-oriented organization with an inclusive culture and strong market momentum.