This role builds relationships with hospitals, banks, schools, and local businesses to create recurring catering accounts, and represents Pomegranate Market, Pomegranate Bistro, and Groove Wellness Bar at community events and through local partnerships. Build and manage a pipeline of recurring catering clients, including offices, hospitals, banks, schools, and community organizations across Sioux Falls.

Business Development Manager

Job Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $55,000-70,000 total compensation (base salary + catering commission)

Reports to: President

Position Summary

The Business Development Manager grows Pomegranate Market's catering business and leads our presence in the Sioux Falls community. This role builds relationships with hospitals, banks, schools, and local businesses to create recurring catering accounts, and represents Pomegranate Market, Pomegranate Bistro, and Groove Wellness Bar at community events and through local partnerships.

Catering Sales & Business Development

• Own catering sales growth by actively selling to new and existing clients and meeting revenue goals.

• Build and manage a pipeline of recurring catering clients, including offices, hospitals, banks, schools, and community organizations across Sioux Falls.

• Proactively prospect new accounts through outreach, networking, drop-ins, and tastings.

• Prepare catering quotes, proposals, and menus in partnership with the Bistro Manager.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for catering clients from first conversation through follow-up.

• Maintain accurate records of leads, accounts, orders, and sales activity.

• Facilitate the catering billing process, including invoicing, payment follow-up, and resolving billing questions with clients.

• Grow repeat business through consistent follow-up, client check-ins, and relationship building.

Kitchen Coordination & Client Experience

• Partner closely with the Bistro Manager to set the kitchen team up for success on every order.

• Sell within agreed-upon kitchen capacity and order lead times.

• Hand off every order using the standard catering order process, with complete details on headcount, menu, dietary needs, and delivery.

• Lead a weekly catering sync with the kitchen team to review upcoming orders and the sales pipeline.

• Gather client feedback and resolve catering issues professionally and promptly.

Community Events

• Lead Pomegranate Market's participation in community events, including farmers markets and holiday markets.

• Build and execute an annual community events calendar in partnership with the President.

• Plan event logistics, staffing, product, and booth presentation to reflect Pomegranate Market standards.

• Capture guest engagement at events, including loyalty and email sign-ups and catering leads.

Community Partnerships

• Serve as the primary contact for Pomegranate Market's community partners.

• Maintain and grow partnerships that build awareness and reflect Pomegranate Market's values.

• Identify new partnership and sponsorship opportunities that support community engagement and catering growth.

Marketing Collaboration

• Coordinate with the Marketing Coordinator on promotion and content for events, partnerships, and catering.

• Share client, event, and community insights that help shape marketing efforts.

• Represent the Pomegranate Market brand consistently in every client and community interaction.

What We're Looking For

• A proven track record of sales success in business development, account management, or a related role; catering or hospitality experience is a plus but not required.

• Comfort and energy for outbound prospecting and relationship building.

• Strong communication, organization, and follow-through skills.

• Experience planning or leading events is a plus.

• Passion for natural and organic food, wellness, and the Sioux Falls community.

• Reliable transportation and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.

Key Performance Indicators

• Catering revenue growth

• New and recurring catering accounts

• Order accuracy and on-time handoffs to the kitchen

• Community events calendar execution

• Partnership health and renewals

• Engagement captured at events (sign-ups and leads)

#hc266248