POSITION SUMMARY

Fraction is a startup bringing American-raised trout to the pet food and pet treat industries as a premium protein ingredient and as freeze-dried products. We are building something new in the market and need a Business Development Manager to open doors, build relationships, and drive B2B revenue. Although Fraction is a start-up, we are a division of North America’s largest trout producer, and, as such, we have an abundant supply of fully traceable trout by-products year-round for the pet food and pet treat markets.

In this role, you will sell our trout protein ingredients and freeze-dried products to pet food and pet treat manufacturers, co-packers, and brand partners. You will also grow the value of our trout pet offerings by developing new B2B channels and positioning our land-based aquaculture-raised American Trout as a differentiated, premium protein in the pet industry. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape go-to-market strategies, establish key accounts, and build the sales function as the company scales.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

B2B Sales & Revenue Growth

• Identify, prospect, and close B2B sales opportunities for our trout protein ingredients and freeze-dried products to the pet food and pet treat markets 
• Build and manage a pipeline of pet food and pet treat manufacturers, co-packers, private label brands, and ingredient distributors
• Develop and execute account strategies for key targets, from initial outreach through contract negotiation and ongoing account management
• Drive revenue growth by expanding existing accounts and continuously developing new business
• Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations, product samples, and proposals tailored to each prospect
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and supply agreements in coordination with the President

Market Development & Strategy

• Launch and position our land-based aquaculture-raised American trout as a differentiated, premium protein source for the pet food and pet treat industries
• Develop go-to-market strategies for our trout protein ingredients and freeze-dried products across B2B channels
• Research market trends, competitive landscape, and customer need to identify new opportunities and inform product development
• Build the Fraction brand presence in the pet industry through strategic partnerships, trade associations, and thought leadership
• Provide market intelligence and customer feedback to inform production planning, product development, and pricing strategy

Trade Shows & Industry Engagement

• Represent Fraction at pet industry trade shows, conferences, and networking events (e.g., SuperZoo, Global Pet Expo, Pet Food Forum)
• Plan and execute trade show strategy including booth presence, meeting scheduling, sample preparation, and post-show follow-up
• Build and maintain relationships with industry contacts, trade organizations, and potential channel partners

Sales Operations & Reporting

• Maintain accurate CRM records of all prospects, accounts, activities, and pipeline status
• Track and report on sales metrics, pipeline health, and revenue forecasts to the President
• Coordinate with production and operations teams to ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time
• Develop and refine sales collateral, pricing sheets, product spec sheets, and presentation materials

General

• Travel regularly to meet with customers, attend industry events, and visit our production facilities
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, corporate sales, and leadership to align sales efforts with operational capabilities
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the growth of the business

COMPETENCIES

• Hunter mentality with a proven ability to prospect, pitch, and close B2B deals
• Strong relationship builder who earns trust with customers and partners
• Strategic thinker who can translate market opportunities into actionable sales plans
• Self-starter who thrives working independently in a startup with minimal structure
• Excellent verbal and written communicator with strong presentation skills
• Organized and disciplined with CRM and pipeline management
• Comfortable with ambiguity and energized by building something from scratch

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a remote/flexible position with regular travel to customer sites, trade shows, and Fraction facilities. When visiting production facilities, the environment includes exposure to varying temperatures, wet conditions, and moderate noise levels.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to travel domestically on a regular basis, including multi-day trips
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods at trade shows and customer visits
• Ability to lift and transport trade show materials and product samples up to 30 lbs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of B2B sales or business development experience, preferably in pet food, pet treats, animal nutrition, food ingredients, or a related industry
• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and developing new accounts
• Experience selling ingredients, raw materials, or products to food or pet food companies
• Strong understanding of B2B sales cycles, account management, and contract negotiation
• Proficiency with CRM tools and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Existing relationships with pet food and pet treat manufacturers, co-packers, or ingredient buyers
• Experience in the pet food, pet treat or animal nutrition industry specifically
• Knowledge of freeze-drying, protein ingredients, or aquaculture/trout products
• Experience launching new products or brands into established markets
• Background in food science, animal science, or a related field
• Experience working in a startup or early-stage company environment