Business Development Manager-AFIC @ MCO - Fayetteville, United States - Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

Description

Summary of Job Duties

:The Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to provide marketing and business development for the UADA's operations (fruits & vegetable processing plant and commercial kitchen) of Market Center of the Ozarks (MCO), a 45,000-square-foot facility set to open in late summer 2024 in downtown Springdale, AR. This facility is a part of Northwest Arkansas Food Systems, an initiative focused on improving access to local food. The Business Development Manager will be an experienced sales and marketing professional with preference being given to an individual having experience in the food industry and will play a key role identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, implementing effective marketing strategies to attract and retain clients, and assisting-on and leading grant proposals to increase facility utilization and maximizing revenue generation.

Responsibilities:
The business development manager will be responsible for the marketing and business development opportunities of the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks () operations and report to the Executive Director of the within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The manager will have responsibility for pursuing business opportunities, enhancing strategic partnerships, implementing marketing strategies, and providing customer service and support. Specific responsibilities will include:

•Conduct local food industry market analyzes to execute marketing plans through compelling promotional materials, including digital content, showcasing the benefits and features of the shared-use kitchen while analyzing marketing performance metrics to optimize campaigns and improve ROI using data-driven recommendations.

•Establish and maintain relationships with relevant industry stakeholders, such as local food associations, culinary schools, incubators, and food-related organizations to leverage their networks to increase facility utilization and brand visibility.

•Generate leads and proactively reach out to potential clients, including food entrepreneurs, caterers, food trucks, and small-scale food producers, acting as the primary point of contact, responding to inquiries, conducting facility tours, and addressing their needs and concerns to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects.

•Collaborate closely with operations and facilities teams to ensure a seamless onboarding process for new clients while fostering strong current client relationships and providing ongoing support, ensuring client satisfaction and retention.

•Conduct SWOT analysis to identify areas for differentiation and recommend innovative solutions, services, or partnerships to maintain a competitive edge with up to date industry trends, regulations, and emerging opportunities within the shared-use kitchen space.

•Find, write, and support grant applications that further the mission of the and UADA.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field, with 8+ years' experience or a food science degree, or related field, with 3+ years' experience in a sales or marketing role OR a Master's degree with 4+ years' experience.

Desired Qualifications:Other advanced business degree preferred and can reduce 1 year of experience.Demonstrated ability to find, write, and support foundation, economic development, and corporate grants.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Proven experience in business development, sales, or marketing within the food industry or shared-use kitchen sector.Proficiency in marketing tools and analytics platforms.Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships.Strong understanding of the food industry, including current trends, regulations, and market dynamics.Excellent communication, cooperation, and interpersonal skills.Highly motivated self-starter with a track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.Flexibility to travel, as needed, and work outside of regular office hours, as required.

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience