We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to identify new business opportunities, develop strategic relationships and drive revenue growth across a professional services organisation operating within the UK and Ireland food industry.
The successful candidate will play a key role in developing new markets, building relationships with industry stakeholders and growing existing revenue streams. The role combines business development, sales, account management, market research and strategic planning, with a strong emphasis on customer engagement and partnership development.
You will work closely with internal teams to develop and launch new products and services while ensuring a high level of service for customers and strategic partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, markets and strategic partnerships.
- Develop and implement effective business development and sales strategies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing clients and industry stakeholders.
- Conduct market research to identify industry trends, competitor activity and potential opportunities.
- Generate leads and manage the sales pipeline from prospecting through to closing.
- Prepare and deliver sales presentations, proposals and commercial negotiations.
- Attend industry events, networking functions, exhibitions and client meetings.
- Work collaboratively with marketing, technical and operations teams.
- Monitor sales performance and report on business development activity.
- Achieve or exceed agreed sales and revenue targets.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships across sectors of the UK and Ireland food industry, including scheme specifiers, industry organisations and strategic partners.
- Support the management of existing and new wholesaler relationships.
- Prepare and maintain sales strategies and pipelines.
- Identify opportunities for additional services and revenue streams.
- Contribute to the development of new products and services in line with the organisation’s strategic plan.
- Project manage the introduction of new products and services through to launch and handover to operational teams.
- Monitor and report on product and service performance against budgets.
About You
You will be a commercially focused business development professional with strong relationship-building, sales and negotiation skills. You should be comfortable working independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across different functions.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Excellent relationship-building and networking skills.
- Strong sales and revenue-generation expertise.
- Market analysis and research capability.
- Excellent presentation and proposal-writing skills.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and industry professionals.
Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Relevant experience providing professional services to the food industry.
- 5+ years’ experience in business development, sales or account management.
- Proven track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets.
- Experience using CRM systems and sales reporting tools.
- Strong understanding of market dynamics and customer needs.
Key Performance Indicators
- Revenue growth and achievement of sales targets.
- Number of new clients acquired.
- Value of new business secured.
- Lead and opportunity conversion rates.
- Client retention and relationship growth.
Benefits
- Competitive salary (£45k – £60k DOE)
- Paid Travel expenses
- Team bonus and/or commission.
- Holiday allowance.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements
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