Business Development Manager
Location
Willmar, MN
Onsite, Hybrid or Fully Remote
Flexible
Status
Full-time
Reports To
VP, Sales and Marketing
FLSA Status
Exempt
Management Position
No
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Business Development Rep – Cheese & Liquid Processing is responsible for driving strategic growth within the dairy, cheese, whey, and liquid food processing markets. This role focuses on developing new business opportunities, strengthening customer relationships, and positioning the company as a trusted partner for process systems and equipment solutions.
The position combines technical process knowledge with consultative selling to identify customer challenges, develop equipment and system solutions, and support projects from concept through commissioning. Primary emphasis is placed on cheese processing equipment, liquid processing systems, sanitary process technologies, and long-term account development within the dairy and food industries.
Business Development & Market Growth
- Identify, develop, and pursue new business opportunities within cheese, dairy, whey, and liquid food processing markets.
- Build and execute strategic business development plans aligned with company growth objectives and target markets.
- Develop relationships with key decision-makers including plant managers, operations leaders, engineering teams, and corporate leadership.
- Actively promote the company’s capabilities in cheese equipment, liquid processing systems, membrane filtration, and related process solutions.
- Monitor market trends, customer expansions, capital projects, and industry developments to identify future opportunities.
- Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences, customer events, and networking opportunities.
Customer Relationship Management
- Maintain regular contact with existing customers to identify operational challenges, expansion plans, and upcoming capital projects.
- Develop and cultivate new customer relationships in alignment with strategic growth initiatives.
- Serve as a trusted technical and commercial resource throughout the sales cycle.
- Maintain strong communication with customers during quotation, project execution, startup, and commissioning phases.
- During active projects, maintain regular communication with customers to monitor progress, identify additional opportunities, and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Follow up post-installation and commissioning to evaluate system performance and strengthen long-term partnerships.
Technical Sales & Solution Development
- Work directly with customers to understand processing goals, production requirements, and operational challenges.
- Develop conceptual process solutions and preliminary equipment specifications for cheese and liquid processing applications.
- Collaborate with engineering and process teams to develop system designs, budgets, and technical proposals.
- Communicate customer requirements clearly to internal quotation, engineering, and project management teams.
- Support customer discussions regarding process flow, sanitary design, automation integration, throughput requirements, and system performance.
- Assist customers in evaluating ROI, operational efficiencies, product quality improvements, and capacity expansion opportunities.
Proposal & Project Development
- Create proposals, review process designs, and review estimates to ensure alignment with customer expectations and operational requirements.
- Coordinate with internal teams to ensure proposals are technically accurate, commercially competitive, and strategically positioned.
- Prepare and present professional proposals, contracts, and system solutions to customers.
- Ensure quotations and contracts align with company policies, scope definitions, and risk management guidelines.
- Support technical and commercial discussions during proposal reviews and negotiations.
- Maintain organized and accurate proposal, project, and customer records.
Sales Execution
- Maintain active follow-up on quotations and business opportunities to advance projects through the sales pipeline.
- Develop and execute account strategies to secure new projects and expand existing customer relationships.
- Negotiate and close sales agreements while supporting long-term customer partnerships.
- Achieve established sales growth, business development, and profitability objectives.
Internal Coordination & Strategic Collaboration
- Work closely with engineering, project management, process, and leadership teams to align customer opportunities with company capabilities and strategic priorities.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, sales activity reporting, and pipeline forecasting.
- Develop and manage personal schedules, travel plans, and customer engagement activities to maximize business development effectiveness.
- Provide timely administrative updates including quotation status, project activity, forecasting, and expense reporting.
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of company growth initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field required.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand and communicate engineering concepts and specifications.
- Proven experience in technical sales or business development, preferably in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships.
- Effective organizational and time management skills; able to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite; capable of maintaining detailed and accurate records.
TRAVEL:
- Must be willing to travel up to 40% of the time.
KOVALUES:
- CUSTOMER FOCUS: Our decisions and actions are aligned with client needs, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
- INTEGRITY & COMPLIANCE: Establishes trust and credibility, ensuring that actions and communications are transparent and ethical. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- TEAMWORK: Foster collaboration and efficiency, leading to innovative solutions and a supportive work environment.
- HUMILITY & RESPECT: Build a positive culture by valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a respectful workplace.
- ENTREPRENEURIAL: Eliminate bureaucracy and non-value-added processes. Encourage innovation, promote a sense of urgency, and identify and promote our competitive advantage.
BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Kovalus offers a comprehensive package that includes: Medical (3 plan options), Dental (2 plan options) and Vision insurances; 401K (match & fixed company contribution); health savings and flexible spending accounts; company provided basic life insurance policy with the option of selecting additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse or dependents; disability insurances (short-term policy is company paid & long-term is split between company and employee); voluntary insurance plans for accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity; business and personal travel insurance; 10 paid holidays; vacation time; sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; referral bonus; bereavement leave. All benefits are subject to applicable plan and program terms (including eligibility terms) and may be subject to change.
The Company will consider all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field
- Strong technical aptitude and ability to understand and communicate engineering concepts and specifications
- Proven experience in technical sales or business development, preferably in an industrial or manufacturing environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships
- Effective organizational and time management skills
- Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
- Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite
- Willingness to travel up to 40% of the time
What We Do
Kovalus Separation Solutions develops and supplies integrated separation technologies and process equipment for food and beverage, life-science, and general industrial customers. Its portfolio includes membrane filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, drying, and cheesemaking technologies. The company works with customers from research and development and piloting through large-scale implementation and after-sales service, helping recover valuable products, reduce waste and operating footprints, and improve productivity and costs.
