Business Development Manager

Kafene is revolutionizing the lease-to-own space. We're the point-of-sale powerhouse making flexible lease-to-own accessible to everyone—prime and non-prime customers alike. Our secret weapon? Cutting-edge AI and machine learning that analyzes 20,000+ data inputs in real-time, empowering retailers across furniture, appliances, electronics, tires, and durable goods to say "yes" to more customers.

The numbers tell our story: over $500 million in sales and counting. But we're just getting started.

Our 150-person team spans NYC headquarters, Wilmington, and remote talent across the globe—all united by a culture that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and genuine support. We don't just talk about great workplace culture; we deliver it. That's why Built In named us a Startup to Watch and Forbes recognized us as one of the Best Startup Employers .

Ready to be part of the fintech revolution? Join us.

The Business Development Manager (BDM) is a critical driver of growth at Kafene, responsible for identifying, signing, and onboarding new retail partners. The BDM will build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, focusing on expanding Kafene’s footprint across target industries, such as furniture, appliances, and other durable goods. This role demands a strategic thinker with a hunter mentality who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

This is a remote role based out of Chicago or Rockford, IL. Candidates must be located within a 100-mile radius of one of these locations to be eligible.

What you’ll do:

• Identify and target prospective retail partners within designated industries and geographic regions.

• Conduct outbound sales activities, including cold calls, email campaigns, and in-person visits, to engage decision-makers.

• Present Kafene’s value proposition and financing solutions tailored to retailer needs.

• Develop and execute a robust business development plan to meet and exceed sales targets.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align sales strategies with company objectives and market trends.

• Establish internal relationships with the account management team to ensure an efficient handoff of retailers to their account managers.

• Partner with the account management team to onboard retailers.

• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify opportunities and challenges.

• Provide insights and recommendations to the leadership team to enhance Kafene’s product offerings and market positioning.

• Work closely with the Account Management team to ensure newly signed retailers are effectively transitioned and supported in their first 90 days.

• Partner with marketing and product teams to refine messaging, promotional materials, and sales tools.

Who you are:

• You have 3+ years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field, with a preference for backgrounds in fintech, retail, or B2B industries.

• You have a proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving significant revenue growth.

• You possess a strong understanding of retail operations and financing solutions, with the ability to leverage this knowledge to drive success.

• You excel in communication, negotiation, and presentation, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• You are self-motivated, with a strong ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team environment.

• You are proficient in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and the Microsoft Office Suite, ensuring seamless management of sales processes and communication.

• You must have a valid driver's license, as this role requires regular travel to client sites.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base Salary: Earn a competitive base salary of $80,000 to $95,000, plus a lucrative commission structure.

• Healthcare: We prioritize your well-being by covering 80% of medical, dental, and vision insurance costs, including coverage for your spouse, children, and other dependents.

• Retirement Benefits: Begin planning for your future from day one with our 401k plan.

• Paid Time Off: We understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible paid time off days starting from day one of your employment.

We're building a team as diverse as the customers we serve. Kafene is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, and we mean it. We welcome qualified applicants of every race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, veteran status, and all other legally protected characteristics.

Need accommodation during the application process? We've got you. If you're applying for a U.S. position and require reasonable accommodation at any stage, reach out to [email protected] with details about your request and contact information. We're here to help make the process work for you.

Note: This email address is specifically for accommodation requests and will only respond to those inquiries.