Business Development Manager

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DukesHill is an award-winning British producer of handcrafted hams and fine foods, cherished by those who appreciate true artisan craft, provenance and exceptional flavour. Since 1985, we’ve been devoted to the art of slow curing, traditional methods and uncompromising quality, a dedication recognised through our Royal Warrants, first awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, and again by His Majesty King Charles III in 2024.

From our famous traditionally cured hams to our carefully curated hampers and delicacies, everything we make is designed to create memorable dining and gifting moments. We proudly serve discerning customers across the UK, from our own online store and seasonal campaigns to prestigious partners such as Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, and The Ritz London. DukesHill has delivered over one million orders to more than 200,000 loyal customers and has been recognised with over 30 awards since 2021, including Great Taste Awards.

We are growing our presence across on-trade hospitality (luxury restaurants, hotels, private members’ clubs) and expanding corporate gifting and trade partnerships. To help us build on this success, we’re seeking a proactive Business Development Manager to open new doors, forge lasting relationships and bring our story of craftsmanship and flavour to new audiences.

About the role

The Business Development Manager is a pivotal role within the DukesHill Customer & Sales team, reporting to the COO. This proactive sales role is responsible for driving new ‘on-trade’ partnerships, focusing on placing DukesHill’s artisanal products into high-end hospitality venues, including luxury restaurants and hotels, as well as selling our hamper products to corporate businesses.

The role is essential to achieving revenue growth by identifying and securing new opportunities while nurturing existing relationships. The Business Development Manager will develop and execute a strategic sales plan, support and mentor the customer service team, and work collaboratively across multiple sectors to meet ambitious business objectives. The role requires experience in proactive sales, ideally within the luxury food and hospitality sector, with a focus on F&B supply and corporate gifting.

The Business Development Manager will be based primarily in London, with some travel to Telford and wider suppliers/partners across the UK expected. This role requires a strong self-starter and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement mid and long-term strategic plans to drive revenue growth in the luxury hotel, restaurant and corporate sectors.
• Create business cases to support new partnerships, product placements, and investments to enhance DukesHill’s market presence.
• Source and implement a cost-effective sales CRM to store all client and selling data to ensure transparency of progress across the wider business.
• Benchmark competitors and partners to set ambitious yet achievable goals for DukesHill.
• Stay informed on industry trends, particularly in F&B buying and corporate gifting, to align DukesHill’s offerings with market demands.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g. production, customer service, marketing) to ensure alignment with DukesHill’s artisanal ethos and business objectives.
• Represent DukesHill at industry events, trade shows, and networking forums to enhance brand authority and identify new opportunities.
• Manage and grow existing partnerships, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
• Be proactive and identify new selling opportunities across the relevant sectors.
• Develop a robust reporting system to track sales performance, revenue growth, and progress against goals.
• Drive awareness of DukesHill’s products through proactive channels such as networking, client tastings, trade exhibitions, and showcases.
• Input relevant sales cycle data and progress into Sales CRM.
• Support corporate gifting campaigns, targeting businesses for seasonal and bespoke hamper sales.
• Periodically review pricing and rate cards for products and hampers to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
• Manage third-party contracts and partnerships to ensure performance aligns with desired outcomes.
• Work with marketing to develop campaigns that promote DukesHill’s heritage and quality to luxury hospitality and corporate audiences.
• Act as an ambassador for DukesHill’s brand, upholding its reputation for artisanal excellence and Royal Warrant status.
• Foster a culture of ambition and collaboration, securing buy-in from stakeholders on strategic goals.
• Provide mentorship and training to enhance team members’ skills in luxury food sales and client relationship management.
• Identify training opportunities to ensure the team remains knowledgeable about artisanal food trends, luxury hospitality, and corporate gifting.

Key Performance Indicators

• Revenue targets hit from luxury hospitality supply and corporate hamper sales.
• Revenue growth and diversification of supply to existing clients.
• Number of new hotel, restaurant and B2B partnerships established and engaged with annually.
• Customer satisfaction and retention rates among hospitality and corporate clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and industry-specific platforms, e.g. Procure Wizard, Birchstreet, Sales Navigator, Sales CRM.
• Strong customer service orientation with a focus on building relationships with luxury hospitality and corporate clients.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proactive go-getter, hungry for the sell.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to prioritise and multitask effectively.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and market conditions.
• Attention to detail in reporting, contract management, and client interactions.
• Commitment to DukesHill’s values of quality, authenticity, and artisanal excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in proactive sales within the luxury food and hospitality sector, or a similar B2B environment.
• Track record of successfully securing new partnerships and driving revenue growth.
• Strong knowledge of F&B supply and corporate gifting market dynamics.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• High level of customer service orientation and relationship building.
• Strong time-management, prioritisation, and multitasking skills.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and sales CRM tools.
• Self-starter with an independent working style and minimal supervision.

DukesHill Values

• Pride in Craftsmanship – We take pride in our heritage and artisanal methods.
• Excellence in Quality – We strive to exceed expectations in every product and interaction.
• Integrity and Trust – We build lasting relationships with customers, partners, and colleagues.
• Passion for British Produce – We champion British farming and sustainable practices.
• Customer-Centricity – We create memorable experiences through outstanding customer service.