Business Development Manager, K-12 Partnerships

Location: Remote / Field-Based, Travel Required (San Diego, CA Territory, SoCal)
Compensation: $90,000-$110,000 Base Salary + Commission + Incentives

About the Company

A mission-driven foodservice organization that partners with schools and educational institutions to provide fresh, nutritious, chef-crafted meal solutions. Serving students across the country, the company focuses on increasing access to healthy meals while helping districts improve participation, streamline operations, and support student well-being.

Position Overview

We are seeking a driven and results-oriented Business Development Manager to expand and strengthen partnerships with K-12 school districts and charter schools throughout San Diego and the surrounding region. This is a remote, field-based sales role ideal for someone who is passionate about making a positive impact on student nutrition while driving business growth.

The ideal candidate has experience selling into the K-12 education market, understands school foodservice operations, and excels at building long-term relationships with district decision-makers. Experience working with foodservice brokers is highly preferred, and experience with vended meal programs is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new business opportunities with K-12 school districts and charter schools throughout the assigned territory.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Superintendents, Child Nutrition Directors, Business Officials, Purchasing Leaders, and other district stakeholders.
• Re-engage former customers and identify opportunities to recapture lost business.
• Manage the full consultative sales process from prospecting through contract execution.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop customized meal solutions that align with district goals and increase student participation.
• Support the launch and expansion of school nutrition programs, including breakfast, lunch, supper, and other meal initiatives.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, trade shows, school events, tastings, and community engagement activities.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline, provide accurate forecasts, and consistently achieve or exceed territory growth objectives.

Qualifications

• Foodservice experience is NOT required, but preferred. The idea of this position is understanding K-12 sales cycles and strategy.
• Minimum of 5 years of sales experience, including experience working for a foodservice broker serving the K-12 market.
• Proven experience selling directly into K-12 school districts and educational organizations.
• Demonstrated track record of success within the school nutrition, foodservice, or related industry.
• Experience with vended meal programs is strongly preferred.
• Ability to build executive-level customer relationships and navigate complex district procurement processes.
• Strong prospecting, presentation, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a remote, field-based environment.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the San Diego region and surrounding communities.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student health and nutrition.
• Join a growing organization dedicated to serving schools and communities.
• High visibility role with significant territory ownership and growth potential.
• Competitive compensation package, bonus opportunity, mileage reimbursement, and comprehensive benefits.