At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop SPAR convenience stores while driving retail sales and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join A.F. Blakemore, a family-run business with a rich heritage and exciting future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous staff discounts, and market-leading benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team working with top UK brands in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management, account management, and excellent customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Full time (40hrs) Field based (West Midlands, Shropshire, North Wales Territory) Competitive Salary plus bonus Excellent benefits package We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Convenience Retailing Business Development Manager to join our SPAR Blakemore Trade Partners Team. Your role is to support and develop the existing SPAR convenience store customer base in your allocated area whilst controlling the implementation of Trade Partner initiatives and ensuring that multi-site retailers maintain the standard required by A.F. Blakemore and SPAR.
We take the word Partner seriously. As such we are seeking a determined, articulate self-starter with a real passion for customer service, to collaborate, support and listen as we continue to add value to our SPAR customers' businesses as well as our own, by driving retail sales. As part of the broader A.F. Blakemore & Son SPAR business, you will be empowered and supported in a family business that encourages accountability and personal development, thriving in a culture with defined DNA and Values built upon positive relationships both internally, with its partners and our local communities.
Key Tasks/Responsibilities
- Development of appropriate retail business plans, operational targets, and budgets, in conjunction with the retailer
- Monitoring retailers' level of adherence / loyalty towards recognised SPAR operating standards and facilitating improvement as required
- Monitoring retailer performance and facilitating improvement as required, in conjunction with the wider retail team
- The control of bad debt management within the business and liaising closely with head office with regard to issues identified
- Providing retailers with information and support regarding the implementation of new SPAR developments / initiatives
- Providing retailers with advice / sources of information reference general business issues and legislation (e.g. health and food safety, training, employment law, etc.)
- Successful integration of new retailers as they are handed over from Recruitment
- Supporting the Regional Sales Managers by representing the Sales Department within project groups.
Some Key Requirements
- Ideally possess managerial experience in Convenience Store/Supermarket.
- Account management experience with B2B accounts, ideally in convenience/food.
- UK Driving Licence
- High level of numeracy and literacy
- A good knowledge of Retail Operations
- Excellent customer service skills
- A passion for Retail
- Extremely self-motivated and driven
- Experienced in Account/Field Management
- Desirable: Business Degree or equivalent, Retail Management experience
What's in it for you?
- Competitive Salary plus Bonus Opportunity
- A dynamic role in an expanding team
- Fast paced exciting opportunity working with some of the UK's leading brands including SPAR
- Generous staff discount
- Proactive promotion of internal candidates
- Market leading benefits scheme including: 24/7 access to your payslips via HR/Payroll portal
- Staff Discount in our SPAR stores
- Access to our colleague benefits scheme which offers a wide range of high street retail, holiday & leisure discounts
- Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
- NEST pension scheme Company Pension Scheme
- Extra Holidays - Purchase Scheme
- Long Service Awards
About us:
At A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, we're proud of our heritage, but even more excited about our future. What started in Wolverhampton in 1917 as a small, family-run grocery store has grown into one of the UK's largest privately owned businesses, employing over 5,000 people and generating a turnover of £1.2 billion. We combine the strength of a global brand, while maintaining the values of a family business. We're constantly evolving, always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and support our colleagues, making this an exciting place to build your career.
Today, we operate at the heart of communities across the UK, with 243 SPAR convenience stores and a thriving business spanning retail, food service, and wholesale distribution. Food and drink remain at the core of everything we do, driving our passion for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences. SPAR is the world's largest international food retail chain, encompassing more than 13,800 stores in 48 countries. With more than 2,600 stores and a turnover in excess of £3 billion, SPAR is also the UK's leading convenience store group. Being a symbol group means that individual SPAR members retain their independence but enjoy the many benefits of being a part of a global brand.
Inclusive environment: As a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Business Development Manager in Newport employer: AF Blakemore - Trade Partners
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive, family-oriented work culture. With a competitive salary, generous benefits package, and a commitment to personal development, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to the success of the SPAR convenience store network. The company’s dedication to community engagement and inclusivity makes it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the retail sector.
Contact Detail:
AF Blakemore - Trade Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research A.F. Blakemore and SPAR, their values, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to business development and retail management. Think about how your experience aligns with the role and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in convenience retailing and account management, and don’t forget to showcase your customer service skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for retail and how you can add value to our SPAR customers. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, focus on relevant experiences that align with the key tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you’ve driven sales and supported retailers in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AF Blakemore - Trade Partners
✨Know Your Retail Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of convenience retailing and the SPAR brand. Understand their values, initiatives, and how they support their partners. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've excelled in customer service. Highlight how you've built relationships and added value to clients, as this role is all about collaboration and support.
✨Be Ready with Numbers
Since the role requires a high level of numeracy, be prepared to discuss budgets, operational targets, and performance metrics. Bring along any relevant data or reports from previous roles to demonstrate your analytical skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future plans, the team you'll be working with, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
