Application Guide

How to Apply for Business Development Manager, Away From Home, Central

at Califia Farms

🏢 About Califia Farms

Califia Farms stands out as a mission-driven company focused exclusively on plant-based beverages while championing sustainability through renewable energy and eco-friendly practices. Their commitment to nourishing the world with innovative dairy alternatives makes them a leader in the growing plant-based food movement, offering employees the chance to contribute to both business success and environmental impact.

About This Role

This Business Development Manager role is responsible for driving foodservice sales growth in the Central territory by acquiring new operators and expanding volume with existing accounts. You'll serve as the local brand expert for Califia Farms' Away From Home channel, focusing specifically on café, bakery, breakfast, and beverage-centric accounts while using Salesforce and Power BI for pipeline management.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing Central region market data in Power BI, prospecting new café and breakfast operators via Salesforce, conducting virtual sales presentations to foodservice accounts, and developing territory plans that balance new acquisition with existing account growth. You might also participate in channel-specific trade show planning or collaborate with marketing on local brand activation strategies.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Califia Farms Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of foodservice sales experience in CPG/beverage, with specific experience in plant-based, dairy alternative, or emerging brands
  • Demonstrates proven 'hunter' capabilities with a track record of winning new operators, securing menu placements, and driving SKU authorization
  • Possesses strong Salesforce CRM experience and analytical skills for pipeline management and forecasting
  • Understands Central region foodservice dynamics and can translate market insights into actionable sales strategies

📝 Tips for Applying to Califia Farms

1

Quantify your foodservice sales achievements specifically in the CPG/beverage space - include metrics like new operator acquisition rates, volume growth percentages, or menu placement successes

2

Highlight any experience with plant-based or dairy alternative products, even if indirect - this is 'strongly preferred' according to the requirements

3

Demonstrate your Salesforce proficiency by mentioning specific features you've used for pipeline management and forecasting

4

Research Califia Farms' current Away From Home partnerships in the Central region and suggest specific operator types you'd target

5

Show understanding of the 'café, bakery, breakfast, and other beverage-centric accounts' focus by tailoring your experience examples to these channels

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with foodservice sales in the CPG/beverage industry, particularly any plant-based or emerging brand background', "Examples of successful new operator acquisition and menu placement wins that demonstrate your 'hunter' capabilities", "How you've used CRM tools like Salesforce for pipeline management and forecasting in previous roles", "Your understanding of the Central region's foodservice landscape and how you'd approach market planning for Califia Farms"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Califia Farms' current Away From Home partnerships and distribution channels in the Central region
  • → The competitive landscape for plant-based beverages in foodservice, particularly in café and breakfast segments
  • → Califia Farms' sustainability initiatives and how they differentiate from other plant-based brands
  • → Recent company news about product launches or market expansions that could impact the Away From Home business

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your process for prospecting and developing new foodservice operators in the beverage space
2 How would you assess competitive activity in the plant-based beverage market and translate those insights into territory strategy?
3 Describe your experience using Salesforce for pipeline management and forecasting - what specific reports or dashboards have you created?
4 What strategies would you use to increase Califia Farms' brand presence in café and breakfast channels specifically?
5 How do you balance new operator acquisition with growing volume from existing accounts in your territory planning?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only retail sales experience when the role specifically requires foodservice/operator sales background
  • Failing to demonstrate 'hunter' mentality or new business development capabilities in your application materials
  • Not showing familiarity with CRM tools or providing vague descriptions of your pipeline management experience

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Califia Farms!

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