Business Development Manager

Kafene is a leading point-of-sale financing partner dedicated to empowering flexible ownership solutions for underserved customers nationwide. By enabling our retail partners to offer flexible lease-to-own (LTO) purchase options for both prime and non-prime consumers, Kafene helps merchants grow their customer base and meet the increasing demand for furniture, appliances, electronics, tires, and other durable goods. Utilizing over 20,000 data inputs alongside cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, our platform creates a best-in-class experience for both merchants and customers. With over $350 million in sales since inception, we are rapidly growing and looking to expand our team.

We take pride in fostering a dynamic workplace culture that values collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. Our team of 170 is spread across our NYC headquarters, a Wilmington office, and fully remote staff nationwide. Last year, we were recognized as one of Built In's Startups to Watch and Forbes' Best Startup Employers.

The Business Development Manager (BDM) is a critical driver of growth at Kafene, responsible for identifying, signing, and onboarding new retail partners. The BDM will build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, focusing on expanding Kafene’s footprint across target industries, such as furniture, appliances, and other durable goods. This role demands a strategic thinker with a hunter mentality who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

What you’ll do:

• Identify and target prospective retail partners within designated industries and geographic regions.
• Conduct outbound sales activities, including cold calls, email campaigns, and in-person visits, to engage decision-makers.
• Present Kafene’s value proposition and financing solutions tailored to retailer needs.
• Develop and execute a robust business development plan to meet and exceed sales targets.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align sales strategies with company objectives and market trends.
• Establish internal relationships with the account management team to ensure an efficient handoff of retailers to their account managers.  
• Partner with the account management team to onboard retailers.  
• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the leadership team to enhance Kafene’s product offerings and market positioning.
• Work closely with the Account Management team to ensure newly signed retailers are effectively transitioned and supported in their first 90 days.
• Partner with marketing and product teams to refine messaging, promotional materials, and sales tools.

Who you are:

• You have over 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field, with a preference for backgrounds in fintech, retail, or B2B industries.
• You have a proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving significant revenue growth.
• You possess a strong understanding of retail operations and financing solutions, with the ability to leverage this knowledge to drive success.
• You excel in communication, negotiation, and presentation, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• You are self-motivated, with a strong ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• You are proficient in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and the Microsoft Office Suite, ensuring seamless management of sales processes and communication.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base Salary: Earn a competitive base salary of $80,000 to $95,000, plus a lucrative commission structure.
• Healthcare: We prioritize your well-being by covering 80% of medical, dental, and vision insurance costs, including coverage for your spouse, children, and other dependents.
• Retirement Benefits: Begin planning for your future from day one with our 401k plan.
• Paid Time Off: We understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible paid time off days starting from day one of your employment.

Kafene is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. If you are applying for a job in the U.S. and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.