BUSINESS MANAGER, FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING
Statewide, Virginia

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a specialized or experienced business development professional to execute lead generation and pipeline development for priority companies in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, working directly with food and beverage manufacturers within and outside Virginia. This individual will work within the Manufacturing Sector team, which is responsible for the life sciences, advanced materials, and food and beverage manufacturing industries, to recruit and support investment and job creation in the Commonwealth.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead Generation

• Coordinate with Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Director to develop and execute on lead generation strategies and target company engagement.
• Identify new project opportunities through conducting lead generation campaigns, attending call trips, trade shows and industry specific events, and developing client relationships.
• Support the development of VEDP’s annual lead generation calendar by recommending activities and events for assigned industries.
• Identify and build strong working relationships across industry stakeholders, including business decision-makers, trade associations, government organizations, affiliated economic development allies, higher education institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Communicate insights from industry engagements to inform industry strategy.

Pipeline Development

• Build and maintain a business development pipeline of food and beverage opportunities and nurture leads toward successful conversion to Business Investment team.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships that support the manufacturing sector in Virginia with priority companies.
• Enhance ecosystem development efforts by identifying new and better ways to leverage Virginia’s resources, including higher education institutions, businesses, business groups, transportation assets, and other state-related entities, resulting in greater lead generation and project opportunities.
• Consistently monitor pipeline status of potential projects and provide progress summaries as needed.
• Ensure successful hand-off to project managers and provide continued support as needed to ensure project success.

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn independently, including acquiring food and beverage manufacturing knowledge through self-directed research and online resources. Strong relationship management skills and ability to quickly develop trusting working relationships.
• Ability to sell and develop deals while providing ongoing client support.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and leverage stakeholders to advance organizational goals and objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong strategic analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) development; experience with Salesforce CRM software is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and time management ability to cultivate a high degree of responsiveness in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home office.

Experience:

• At least five years of business development, marketing, or sales experience in a fast-paced, professional setting; OR at least five years of experience working in the food and beverage manufacturing field or supporting food and beverage manufacturing companies, preferably in a role that emphasizes interpersonal interactions.
• Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel required.

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a résumé and a cover letter. A valid Virginia driver’s license and the ability to obtain a passport are required. Salary minimum: $90,000. Application deadline: August 1, 2025.

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@VEDP.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.