Business Development Lead

Who are we? Abel & Cole has pioneered organic, ethical, and sustainable food delivery for 36 years. Doing things better is our bread and butter; from saving over 64 million plastic bags by reusing boxes for our deliveries, to finding a way to create the biggest online refill shop in the country. We are forever challenging ourselves to find the most positive way to do business. It’s these values that enabled us to become B Corp certified in 2018.

We’re now seeking a talented Business Development Lead (BDL) to spearhead our New Revenue function and drive sales growth as we expand our horizons into diversifying our brand into other revenue streams, including traditional bricks and mortar retail spaces. Working across a wide range of channels, including wholesale, supermarket retailers, our existing B2B sales proposition, Fed, as well as helping to utilise our vans by delivering for others as a 3PL provider, we have ambitious plans to ramp up our non-D2C revenue.

Position Overview

The BDL for New Revenue will play a pivotal role in diversifying and expanding our sales channels, ensuring maximum market penetration and revenue generation. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities, exceptional sales acumen, and a deep understanding of traditional retail landscapes, willing to learn about a D2C business and face the challenges and opportunities that come with that, head on. This is an entrepreneurial role, perfect for someone who has a natural flair for business development, can think on their feet and balance multiple priorities at once.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy for entering and excelling in traditional retail spaces. Identify and prioritise target markets, channels, and opportunities for revenue growth. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align sales execution strategies with overall business objectives. Act as an ambassador for our B Corp values: make all decisions with our social and environmental impact in mind and look for opportunities, no matter how small, to use our business as a force for good.
• Business Development: Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with retail chains, independent retailers, wholesalers & distributors, 3PL customers and other relevant stakeholders. Negotiate favourable terms, agreements, and contracts with customers to secure optimal margin, placement in store (where relevant) and visibility for our products. Continuously seek out new business opportunities and revenue streams within the traditional retail sector.
• Sales Management: Lead, coach, and motivate a small and newly formed sales team across the channel mix of New Revenue. Hit ambitious sales targets and KPIs, and monitor performance against goals. Develop sales forecasts, analyse trends, and proactively address any deviations from targets.
• Market Analysis and Insights: Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential challenges within the traditional retail landscape. Utilise data‑driven insights to inform strategic decisions and optimise sales initiatives.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Technical and other teams to ensure seamless execution of sales strategies. Provide valuable insights and feedback to inform product development, pricing strategies, and marketing spend, where relevant.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of success in sales leadership roles, with a focus on driving revenue growth in a wide mix of traditional retail channels.
• Strong understanding of traditional retail business models, dynamics, and best practices.
• Understanding of D2C and 3PL business models also a bonus, but not essential.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data‑driven decisions.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience leading and developing high‑performing sales teams.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and driving results in a fast‑paced environment.

Why Join Us

• 33 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays (FTE).
• Flexible working options considered.
• Up to 35% discount on A&C products.
• Wellbeing and Rewards platform with access to discounts, GP service and Employee Assistance Programmes.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Contributory pension scheme.

Here at Abel & Cole we believe in the power of kindness, making things happen, having an impact in all we do and always thinking about our mission – to break new ground for the future of food by ensuring we do things as sustainably as possible. We have a fast paced and dynamic environment, and we know it’s our people who make Abel & Cole a special place to work. As the BDL for New Revenue, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our growth trajectory and shape the future of this area of the business. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued, and your contributions are recognised. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record of success in driving sales in retail channels, we want to hear from you. Apply now to join our team and embark on an exciting journey of innovation and growth.