Job Description:

Business Development Manager

Salary: £45,000 + Bonus/Commission + Car Allowance

Travel required across the country & office based once a week

About the Role

We are seeking an ambitious and commercially driven Business Development Manager to drive retail growth across the UK by securing new business opportunities and building long-term customer relationships across a diverse range of retail channels.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing role suited to an individual who thrives on opening doors, developing partnerships, and delivering sustainable sales growth. You will focus on expanding our presence within garden centres, farm shops, delis, speciality retailers, cafés, gift shops, convenience chains, and online retailers, helping establish our products as a must-stock range within the premium food and gifting sector.

The Opportunity

As Business Development Manager, you will play a key role in accelerating growth by identifying and securing new retail accounts while developing existing customer relationships. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing food manufacturing business and make a tangible impact on its continued success.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify, prospect, and win new retail accounts across the UK
• Build and manage a strong sales pipeline, consistently converting opportunities into new business
• Develop and grow existing customer accounts through regular account management activities
• Leverage industry contacts and networks to accelerate market penetration and growth
• Understand customer needs and present tailored commercial solutions
• Negotiate product listings, promotional activity, and distribution agreements
• Collaborate with the marketing team to maximise in-store, seasonal, and gifting opportunities
• Represent the business at trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events
• Deliver against agreed sales targets and growth objectives

About You

We're looking for a motivated sales professional with a proven track record of delivering results within FMCG, ideally in food and drink.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven success in FMCG sales or business development
• Strong network of contacts within UK retail, including independent retailers and regional chains
• Demonstrated ability to quickly generate results and build new business
• A proactive, resilient, and target-driven approach with a strong new-business mindset
• Commercial acumen with the ability to identify opportunities and turn them into sales
• Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills
• Self-motivated, highly organised, and accountable for results

Desirable Experience

• Experience selling into farm shops, garden centres, gifting retailers, or premium food channels
• Understanding of seasonal retail and gifting cycles
• Background working with challenger brands or growing SME food businesses

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to play a key role in scaling a growing UK food brand
• Great Place to Work Certified employer
• High levels of autonomy and ownership within your territory
• Competitive salary with uncapped bonus/commission potential
• Car allowance
• Workplace pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave including Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
• Additional paid time off between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme and virtual GP service
• Health cash plan including optical cover
• Dental cash plan
• Employee Referral Scheme (£250 referral bonus)
• Employee Recognition Programmes
• Free parking
• Employee discount scheme