Vandrunen Farms

Sr. Manager Business Development

Momence, IL Full time

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing!

JOB OVERVIEW:

At FutureCeuticals, we are committed to advancing human health through nature and science. As a Senior Manager of Business Development, you will play a key role in supporting the company’s growth by identifying new opportunities, nurturing strategic relationships, and contributing to the commercialization of innovative, science-backed ingredients.

Reporting to the Vice President of Business Development, this role will work closely with Sales, Marketing, R&D, and Regulatory teams to support go-to-market strategies and customer engagement efforts. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in business development and a passion for health and wellness, with the ability to translate scientific innovation into commercial success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Market Development & Opportunity Identification

  • Support the identification and pursuit of new business opportunities in both emerging and established markets.
  • Contribute to the development of strategic plans to grow market share and expand the company’s presence in the health and wellness space.
  • Monitor industry trends, customer needs, and competitive activity to inform business development efforts.

Customer & Partner Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, co-manufacturers, and brand partners.
  • Collaborate with Account Executives to support customer strategy, product positioning, and solution development.
  • Represent FutureCeuticals at industry events and conferences to promote brand visibility and network with potential partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work with R&D and Scientific Affairs to understand and communicate the value of clinically researched ingredients.
  • Partner with Sales and Marketing to develop customer-facing materials and support sales enablement initiatives.
  • Coordinate with Regulatory and Legal teams to support contract development and ensure compliance.

Product & Innovation Support

  • Assist in identifying opportunities for ingredient placement and co-development projects.
  • Support the commercialization of new products by aligning internal teams and customer needs.
  • Help articulate the scientific and functional benefits of ingredients in customer discussions.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

  • Provide informal mentorship to junior team members and contribute to a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams to support strategic initiatives and customer success.

JOB EXPERIENCE:

7+ years of business development and strategic partnership experience in the health and wellness, functional ingredients, nutraceuticals, or food and beverage industries

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

  • Demonstrated success in identifying and developing new business opportunities and partnerships.
  • Strong understanding of ingredient markets, food science, and/or clinical research.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to collaborate across departments and influence without direct authority.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with strong critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools such as SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Science, Nutrition, or related field required.

MBA or advanced degree preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, use hands to operate a computer and other office equipment, and communicate effectively via phone and email and video. 
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move office supplies or files up to 20 pounds. 
  • Visual acuity is required for reading documents, spreadsheets, and computer screens. 

 The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. (this language must remain in this section). 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

  • This position is based in a professional office environment within a manufacturing facility. 
  • The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. 
  • The employee may occasionally be required to visit the production floor, warehouse, or scientific laboratory, where they may be exposed to noise, dust, varying temperatures, and common laboratory substances such as solvents, reagents, or biological materials, all in accordance with appropriate safety protocols.
  • Work hours are typically Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with occasional overtime or extended hours as needed to meet traveling and/or customer scheduling requirements.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and technical skills required of personnel so classified. 

  • Expected Pay Range: $130K-$160K, exempt
  • Bonus: This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs, contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics.
  • Benefits Eligible: Yes
  • Benefits Available: 2026-benefits-summary.pdf

In the Van Drunen Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do! As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world’s best companies, we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people. If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family-friendly, values-driven company, you'll fit right in with the Van Drunen Family of Companies!

Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, creativity, innovation, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our Company’s achievement as well.

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at recruiting@vandrunen.com.

Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes.  Any resumes, CV’s, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a submitted request and written search agreement for a position-specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran