Business Development Manager

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

Success in the role will be measured against:

• 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.