Now Hiring - Kent Corporation - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER in Muscatine, IA

Full description of the position

Join Our Award-Winning Team! Are you ready to be part of a five-time US Best Managed Company? Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), a proud member of the KENT Corporation family, is excited to offer a new opportunity within our dynamic Specialty Ingredients Sales team as a Business Development Manager! As a leading producer of pure alcohol, maltodextrins, starches, and co- products for the animal nutrition industry, GPC is experiencing rapid growth. In this pivotal role, you will identify, establish, and develop new business opportunities, including customers, products, and acquisitions, within our Specialty Ingredients group, with a primary focus on milling products. Your efforts will drive project innovation, marketing, and promotions to enhance operating profit in the coming years. We are looking for candidates with experience in specialty ingredients sales, particularly in chickpea and soybean milling. * Preferred candidates will be within commutable distance to the Muscatine and Grinnell, Iowa milling locations or open to relocation. * This position is designed and intended to be performed in Iowa. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES In support of strategic business development within GPC's Specialty Ingredients Group, the Business Development Manager will: * Lead the identification process for potential new product opportunities and acquisitions by collaborating closely with Sales, Operations, QA/QC, Innovation and Finance teams and customers. * Drive efforts to locate, develop and close new business opportunities within the milling ingredients segment. * Gather, consolidate, and present market and customer information on new opportunities to management for review and guidance on strategic action. * Utilize lead generation tools, inbound inquiries, and other resources to identify and develop new business opportunities. * Develop, review, and report on business development strategies to ensure objectives are clear, concise, understood, and supported by all relevant departments (Sales, Operations, QA/QC, Innovation, Finance, etc.). * Facilitate the design, implementation, and oversight of training and support programs related to business development activities. * Utilize our CRM to track and document leads, opportunities, and customer interactions. * Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION * Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agribusiness, or other related fields desired. EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS * 5-10 years of experience in the Specialty Ingredients sector, with a focus on sales, marketing, technical service, and/or other closely related areas. * Experience in chickpea and/or soybean milling is helpful. * Action-Oriented & Results-Driven: Proactively takes initiative, tackles challenges, and consistently achieves goals. * Effective Communicator & Persuasive: Clearly conveys information and ideas, influencing others to gain support. * Networker & Relationship Builder: Establishes and maintains strong professional connections to support business objectives. * Strategic & Complex Problem Solver: Thinks strategically, navigates complex issues, and anticipates future trends. * Self-Developer: Continuously seeks opportunities for learning and personal growth. TRAVEL & LOCATION * Travel is varied but required as needed to successfully conduct the affairs of the position. Expect up to 50% travel, to include, but not limited, to current and prospective customer locations, business meetings, training, seminars, conferences, and tradeshows.