Business Development Manager - Spokane, WA

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 

• The Business Development Manager develops 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. The Business Manager will be familiar with 84.51, marketing and analytic initiatives. This role will be an integral part of, developing, building, and maintaining credible and long-term Client relationships and retail partner relationships. 
• Remote; must be local to Spokane, WA to attend regional client meetings
• Salary: $72,000 - $82,000 based on experience, qualifications, and skills
• Attend all major Industry shows as deemed necessary by leadership team (i.e. Expo East & West, Fancy Food Shows, Distributor Shows, etc.) and monthly overnight travel to Portland, OR (maximum 1 night)

What You’ll do at C.A. Carlin 

• Achieves the sales objectives for each client responsible for and the sales objective of CA Carlin 
• Responsible for building relationships with key retail customers in the assigned markets.  
• Regularly analyzes trends in client’s business using syndicated data and retailer data 
• Attend all major Industry shows as deemed necessary by leadership team 
• Sales calls with customers (weekly, bi-weekly & monthly).  
• Work with key retailers to build programing, secure new distribution, present clients’ sales and marketing strategies and top initiatives.   
• Coordination of retail appointments during client market visits.  
• Store visits to assess program opportunities. 
• Implement promotional programs with customers (signage, TPR, suggestive sell, fuels rewards, etc.).  
• Works closely with retail contacts to ensure sales execution of plans. 
• Creation and implementation of presentations. 
• Administrative follow up to include: recap of sales call, client tracker updates, report successes/challenges 

What You Should Bring to the Table 

• 3+ years of consumer-packaged goods experience  
• 1-3 years of experience working for or with a food & beverage broker/sales agency 
• Deep understanding of the food and beverage distribution network and retail landscape 
• Ability to speak to trends in the food and beverage marketplace 
• Strong analytical and strategic thinker; can turn self-developed strategies/efficient processes into execution  
• Very comfortable having strategic conversations and negotiating deals with executive-level client partners to secure new business 
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, effective relationships with clients, customers, & colleagues 
• Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions  
• Creative problem solver who strives for results 
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be effective independently 
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented 
• Expert-level written and verbal communication skills 
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferred 
• Must have proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), and Adobe Acrobat 

You Will Stand Out if You Have 

• 2-3 years of experience working for or with a food & beverage broker/sales agency 
• Experience with calling on URM or other grocery retailers 
• Prior experience working with and analyzing data from SPINS, Nielsen and/or IRI 

Perks

• 16 days of PTO
• 11 paid company holidays per year
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• Bonus eligible
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
• 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.