Director of Business Development – Technomic, Foodservice Insights

Company Description

Informa Connect:

We are part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100. Our purpose is to connect our customers with the information and people that empower them to know more, do more, and be more. No other company in the world helps more people share professional knowledge or make business connections. Each year, we run around 800 events, create digital platforms centered on engaging news and information content, and operate professional development programs for individuals and businesses.

Job Description

This role is based in our Chicago office. 

Technomic, a division of Informa Connect, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Business Development to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to lead strategic sales efforts, engage with senior executives, and drive growth for our cutting-edge foodservice research platforms.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a proven track record in foodservice research platform sales or related industries. Your expertise in this space will be instrumental in expanding our client base and delivering value to industry leaders.

As a senior sales professional, you will take ownership of demonstrating and selling our Ignite platform – a premier data and insights solution designed specifically for the foodservice industry along with custom research services. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Sales Leadership: Consistently exceed sales targets by developing and executing high-impact strategies to drive new business and expand existing accounts.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with senior decision-makers in the foodservice industry, positioning Technomic as a trusted partner.
• Platform Demonstrations: Conduct compelling live demonstrations of the Ignite platform, showcasing its unique value and capabilities to prospective clients.
• Business Development: Identify and pursue new opportunities through proactive prospecting, networking, and industry engagement.
• Forecasting and Reporting: Accurately forecast sales performance and provide actionable insights to meet and exceed revenue objectives.
• Industry Representation: Represent Technomic at key industry events, conferences, and client meetings, ensuring a professional and impactful presence.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including marketing and product development, to align sales efforts with business objectives.

This role requires travel to conferences and client sites as needed to support sales efforts and strengthen relationships.

Qualifications

We are seeking a results-driven professional with a strong background in sales and a deep understanding of the foodservice industry.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proven Expertise: Extensive experience in foodservice research platform sales or related industries is highly preferred.
• B2B Sales: Demonstrated success in selling subscription-based solutions, with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of foodservice and food retail sectors, including key trends and challenges.
• Relationship Building: Exceptional ability to engage with senior executives and build long-term client relationships.
• Sales Acumen: Skilled in prospecting, lead generation, and closing deals, with excellent negotiation and presentation abilities.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute actionable plans to drive business growth.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver impactful presentations.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in selling research platforms, data-driven solutions, or consulting services to the foodservice industry.
• Knowledge of foodservice industry trends and a passion for staying informed about market developments.

Additional Information

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa eve