Business Development Manager - East Region

Intelligentia
Bedford Park, IL

Worker Type:

Employee

Job Description:


Do you want to be an “Intelli?” We do business differently to forge new paths in specialty coffee. We are pioneers in the direct trade model for buying coffee and creating coffee partnerships all over the world. We’re passionate about coffee, and that means we pay a bit more for coffee in order to buy direct and create long-term, collaborative relationships with our producers that grow exceptional coffee.


The Business Development Manager (BDM), qualifies and develops prospective wholesale customers across a variety of business channels to onboard and support new wholesale customers while growing the designated territory. The position requires strong sales and business experience and a broad understanding of the food and beverage industry



Position can be based in New York, Maryland, DC or Virginia

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for the overall growth and development of the assigned territory and accounts within the assigned territory

  • Regularly conduct sales prospecting and lead management activities within assigned territory to identify and qualify new business opportunities across all wholesale channels.

  • Utilize Intelligentsia's sales process, sales methodology, and CRM tools to conduct daily business activities.

  • Provide consultation for new wholesale customers, including recommendations for appropriate coffee equipment and menu, with confidence and expertise.

  • Increase sales in existing business by presenting additional product lines and new opportunities for increased consumption.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide regular inputs for sales pipeline reports, sales forecasting, and work with management to execute sales strategy for the territory.

  • Effectively utilize the available team support across Finance, Marketing, Operations, Technical Service, and Training to service customers.

  • Manage the entire onboarding process of new wholesale customers and provide ongoing account support.

  • Coordinate sales and training information with team to ensure individual and regional growth.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1-3+ years of B2B sales experience as an individual contributor.

  • Knowledge of the designated territory and business channels.

  • Familiar with sales prospecting methods and tools, including cold calling, presentations, drafting proposals, networking, etc.

  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

  • Strong negotiation skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in the specialty coffee industry and/or food service or hospitality industry is highly preferred.

  • Coffee preparation/barista skills.

  • Familiarity with various commercial coffee equipment and a basic technical aptitude.

  • Experience recording customer and sales pipeline information into a CRM system. Knowledge of CRM as an individual contributor is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • The work environment is primarily office/remote. Occasionally in cafes or at events.

  • Must be able to lift 50lbs, occasionally.

  • At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the positions. Occasionally evenings and weekends.

  • Up to 75% local travel within assigned territory to conduct sales meetings, presentations, reviews, and other interactions with prospective and current wholesale coffee customers.

BENEFITS

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance

  • Company-paid long & short-term disability and life insurance

  • Paid vacation and sick time

  • Monthly cell phone allowance

  • 401(k) eligible after 90 days of employment and a company match after one year

  • 8 Paid holidays per year

  • Commuter benefits

  • Free bag of coffee each week with a discount on other items

  • Employee Assistance Program

COMPENSATION

To counter pay inequality and uphold internal parity, we are publicizing salary information for this role. This is also required by multiple state laws in which we operate. From a candidate’s perspective, our salary takes into account a number of factors, including skill sets, experience, education and the training needed for the role. From a company perspective, it includes organizational needs, budgets and internal equity considerations. We are honest and open about our pay and hope that you will be, too, to avoid miscommunication or frustration at the offer stage.


  • The salary for this position is $65,000 annually

  • Commission Plan: $2,075/month for 100% target attainment with accelerators for exceeding quota.

Intelligentsia Coffee, Inc is an equal opportunity employer of all qualified individuals.


We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving guests throughout our communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.


Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.


Intelligentsia is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Posted 2026-02-11

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