Business Development Manager

Position Overview

CAYI – Drink Tech is seeking a high-impact Business Development Manager- U.S. Strategic Accounts/ Retail Channel Development. to drive new business growth in the U.S. market. This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and converting new strategic customers while building long-term partnerships with leading brands and retail/channel customers.

This is a hunter / rainmaker role focused on creating opportunities, developing relationships with key decision-makers, and converting opportunities into commercial business. The ideal candidate understands B2B sales within consumer products and can position CAYI as a global product solution partner, not just a manufacturer.

• Identify, approach, and develop new strategic customers across U.S. markets
• Target key segments including:
• Drinkware and hydration brands
• Outdoor, lifestyle, and wellness brands
• Retail channels (Costco, Target, Walmart, Amazon, REI, etc.)
• Private label and licensed product opportunities
• Promotional and corporate gifting channels
• Build relationships with founders, sourcing leaders, product teams, and decision-makers

• Build and manage a pipeline from prospecting to commercial conversion
• Develop target account strategies and outreach plans
• Identify customer needs and position CAYI’s capabilities effectively
• Lead meetings, presentations, sample coordination, and quotations
• Convert opportunities into product development projects and purchase orders

• Track industry trends, product launches, and competitor activity
• Monitor retail channels and consumer behavior trends
• Identify emerging brands and growth opportunities
• Translate insights into actionable business strategies

• Position CAYI as a value-driven global partner
• Sell based on innovation, capability, and service—not just price
• Support product and business solution development for clients

• Partner with global teams across the U.S., China, and Vietnam
• Ensure customer requirements are translated into execution plans
• Support product development and order fulfillment processes

• Maintain a disciplined and active sales pipeline
• Provide regular updates, forecasts, and reporting to leadership

• This position requires regular travel based on business needs, including visits to company locations, vendors, and/or other business-related activities.
• Work Arrangement:
  This role is primarily onsite when not traveling. The position requires approximately 70% travel, including 50% domestic (U.S.) and 20% international travel.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred

• 5+ years of experience in:
• Business development
• Strategic account management
• B2B sales (consumer products, manufacturing, or related industries)
• Proven success in developing new customers and growing accounts
• Experience with retail channels, brand owners, or sourcing organizations

• Strong new business development and relationship-building skills
• Ability to engage and influence decision-makers
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen
• Understanding of product development, sourcing, and manufacturing processes
• Ability to manage complex sales cycles from lead generation to close
• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Experience in drinkware, consumer goods, outdoor/lifestyle products, or similar industries preferred
• Familiarity with retail channels (Costco, Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.) strongly preferred
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with global teams
• Willingness to travel for customer meetings, trade shows, and business development
• English required; additional languages are a plus