Business Development Manager – Private Label

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Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.
At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis US Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Business Development Manager – Private Label based in Bedford, NH.

The Business Development Manager – Private Label will partner closely with Private Label Sales Directors, the Project Management Organization, Business Units, and cross-functional teams to drive the growth of our strategic Private Label business. This role combines project coordination, customer service, and attention to detail to ensure timely commercialization of all Private Label initiatives, including new product innovations, graphics refreshes, and retailer requests and budgets.

The Manager will also lead the sales efforts for Private Label accounts, driving strategy and execution to meet sales objectives, distribution, pricing, and placement goals. This includes managing the private label packaging budget and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to align on priorities and deliverables.

The role reports to the Senior Director, Business Development.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Support Private Label Sales Directors in coordinating cross-functional commercialization tasks, managing product and customer changes, and overseeing new product launches for assigned accounts.
• Lead packaging graphics development and assist with product development initiatives, including exploratory innovation and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate and maintain product specification master data, including submissions through customer portals; manage purchase requisitions and monthly budget tracking for development and graphics expenses.
• Provide project management support for intercompany sales initiatives, including oversight of Business Unit yogurt projects and alignment with operational teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with assigned customers; lead business reviews, calendar visits, and presentation development.
• Negotiate pricing with customer headquarters and category buyers; manage account performance, demand planning, and customer profit and loss (P&L).
• Collaborate with Private Label International and Mexico teams, freight forwarders, and government agencies to file export documentation, manage shipment schedules, and ensure timely permit renewals and certifications (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, USMCA, organic, health).
• Review and approve international pricing and freight rates in partnership with Finance and Supply Chain; propose packaging price changes as needed.
• Respond to inquiries from Private Label International and USA corporate teams; ensure timely communication and documentation accuracy across all stakeholders.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel may be required up to 25% monthly.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the business’s needs.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the office, in accordance with the guidelines of the Hybrid Work Policy (3 days in office, 2 days WFH).

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience (7 years) required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in project management, sales, or business development; P&L management a plus.
• Experience in consumer-packaged goods strongly preferred, ideally with exposure to New Product Development processes, including FDA regulatory requirements.
• Intermediate Excel skills required; strong PowerPoint proficiency required.
• Knowledge of dairy manufacturing, product categories, and processes preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects effectively, lead cross-functional teams, and execute initiatives on time, on budget, and on target.
• Dedicated to meeting client and stakeholder expectations, fostering satisfaction and loyalty to drive company success.
• Adaptable and flexible, able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and proactively identify potential issues.
• Strong understanding of customer needs, expectations, and financial motivators to develop strategic account plans and move from transactional supplier to strategic partner.
• Skilled in building budgets, making accurate forecasts, and implementing corrective actions or negotiation strategies to achieve sales and profitability goals.
• Proven ability to plan, implement, and manage initiatives that execute the sales strategy effectively.
• Experienced in negotiating agreements that protect company interests while considering market dynamics and long-term sustainability.
• Strong analytical thinking, able to rigorously evaluate data and situations to make informed, effective decisions.
• Intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas, continuously learning from the business environment to support company growth.
• Collaborates effectively across functions, empowering sales teams to align with marketing, product, and support for smarter strategies and stronger customer relationships.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.