Business Development Manager – Manufacturing

Business Development Manager – Manufacturing & GDO *GELLIFY designs AI-driven innovation systems that connect strategy, technology and execution, transforming ideas into real, scalable business impact.
* Opportunities We would like to get in touch with motivated and passionate professionals who want to know more

about us
and explore future opportunities with GELLIFY and make a difference. If you are interested in job opportunities as Business Development Manager in the Manufacturing & Large-Scale Retail (GDO) field, read the details below and apply Your Duties & Responsibilities As part of the Manufacturing & GDO team, working alongside the Industry Lead, you will contribute by:
- Generating pipeline with manufacturing companies and large-scale retail chains: mapping industrial districts and stakeholders, outreach and first discovery meetings.
- Managing a portfolio of mid-market accounts autonomously and supporting the Industry Lead on large groups.
- Qualifying opportunities (need, budget, decision maker, timing) and keeping them up to date in the CRM.
- Identifying with clients high-impact AI use cases — planning and supply chain, quality, maintenance, pricing and assortment, customer service, store efficiency — and shaping them into initiatives that move from pilot to production.
- Coordinating technical and economic proposals with delivery teams, AI experts and pricing.
- Preparing account plans and pre-meeting briefs on companies, entrepreneurs and managers.
- Turning events, webinars, industry associations and GELLIFY content into commercial meetings and follow-ups.
- Contributing to the Manufacturing & GDO vertical offerings and to partnerships with ERP, MES and retail tech vendors.
- Achieving individual targets on generated pipeline and order intake.
- Fluency in Italian and English is required. Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree in economics, Management, or Engineering.
- 3–6 years of experience in consulting firms, system integrators or software houses, in business development, account management, presales or go-to-market roles.
- Direct experience with manufacturing or large-scale retail clients, ideally in the mid-market.
- Proven involvement in service or project deals, from qualification to proposal.
- Understanding of industrial and retail processes (supply chain, production, quality, point of sale).
- Ability to explain the value of GenAI, data and automation to non-technical entrepreneurs and managers.
- Daily use of GenAI assistants — primarily Claude and Microsoft Copilot — for account research, meeting preparation and proposal writing.
- A structured approach: disciplined use of the CRM, clear writing of proposals and emails, thorough meeting preparation.
- Nice to have: an active network among entrepreneurs and managers in Italian manufacturing and modern retail. Desired Soft Skills
- Curiosity to continuously improve how we approach and grow our clients.
- Ability to view new challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt.
- Motivation to understand our clients' businesses, their requirements, and deliver results.
- Strong relationship-building skills with entrepreneurs, management and decision-making committees.
- Passion for continuous learning and achieving personal and commercial goals.
- A hands-on, experimental attitude toward new tools: you try things before forming an opinion. Locations: Milan, Casalecchio di Reno (BO) with flexible work arrangements and regular travel to clients in Northern Italy. Compensation & Contract
- RAL: €45,000–55,000 gross per year
- Inquadramento: II/I livello CCNL Commercio (Terziario, Distribuzione e Servizi) This job advertisement is open to candidates of all genders, in accordance with Laws 903/77 and 125/91 and Legislative Decree 198/2006.