Details:
- Salary: £40,000 - 45,000 - Annum
- Job Type: Permanent
- Job Status: Full-Time
- Salary Per: Annum
- Location: Kent
- Date: 1 day ago
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