Business Development Manager - Technomic

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. This role is based in our 300 S Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, USA office.  Technomic, a division of Informa Connect, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced  Business Development Manager  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. 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. Required Skills and Experience: We are seeking a results-driven professional with a strong background in sales and a deep understanding of the foodservice industry. This role requires travel to conferences and client sites as needed to support sales efforts and strengthen relationships. 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). 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 event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely. We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com Our benefits include: Great community : a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active colleague groups and networks promoting a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment Broader impact : take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too Career opportunity : the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves Time out : 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world The pay range for this role is $65,000-$70,000, plus commission. We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcom