At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with local restaurants and drive user acquisition in London.
- Company: First Table, a leading dining discovery platform with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, travel allowance, and free dining perks.
- Other info: Remote-first environment with a focus on teamwork and growth.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-led brand and make a real impact in the dining scene.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a driven, food-loving Business Development Manager to help grow First Table’s presence in London, one of the UK’s most dynamic dining scenes. This is a relationship-focused role where your ability to connect, pitch, and follow through will make a real impact.
At First Table, our vision is simple: to be the first place diners go to book a table. Proudly established in Queenstown, New Zealand, we've been leading the charge in the hospitality tech industry for over a decade, with operations spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. First Table now offers our great dining experiences at amazing restaurants across the UK. Following recent city launches in Bournemouth, Leicester, Norwich, and Southampton, we are doubling down on building a strong presence and connected team across the UK.
First Table is a dining discovery platform that connects diners to restaurants through their love of food. Through our clever tech, we help restaurants get their night off to a great start and give diners a compelling reason to try somewhere new. It’s a win‑win situation. From early bird offers to last table reservations, we make discovering and booking great dining experiences fast, easy, and rewarding.
At the heart of everything we do are our values: Grow Together, Win‑Win‑Win, and Own It. These guide how we show up for each other, our restaurant partners, and our diners and they’re a big part of what makes First Table a great place to work.
Join us at a truly exciting time of growth as we expand First Table’s presence across the UK. As a Business Development Manager, you’ll build relationships with local restaurants, uncover new opportunities, and bring our platform to more diners to help restaurants thrive. This role is tailor‑made for individuals who thrive on networking, can take ownership, embrace challenges with open arms, and value the essence of teamwork.
What you’ll be doing:
- Own and grow your local market within London.
- Build long‑lasting, win‑win relationships with restaurants in your assigned patch.
- Maintain an in‑depth understanding of market trends and competitors, using this knowledge to identify new opportunities.
- Drive user acquisition and retention strategies.
- Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience in a similar role such as business development, field sales, and partnerships experience.
- Excellent relationship‑building, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Familiarity with the hospitality industry is a massive plus, and your ability to hit the ground running with existing contacts will push you to the top of the queue for this position.
- Be a self‑starter with a commercial mindset – someone who thrives in an autonomous environment and knows how to spot opportunities (then go after them).
- A “can do attitude” and the drive to grow with us.
Why you’ll love working with us:
- A full‑time role with flexible working hours and the autonomy to manage your own schedule.
- Remote‑first, but never remote‑feeling, especially if you’re located in London, where we have a strong presence and teammates who love connecting in person.
- Competitive OTE (base salary + commissions), plus travel allowance, laptop and phone.
- Hit the ground running with an existing client base and the freedom to shape and grow your market, guided by achievable KPIs, supportive coaching and shared wins.
- Free First Table bookings as a team perk – perfect for fellow food lovers.
- We recognise great work, with team‑wide recognition shoutouts, referral incentives, and regular opportunities to celebrate wins.
- Being part of a purpose‑led, award‑winning brand that champions exceptional dining experiences and values creativity, collaboration and growth.
Things to keep in mind:
- Applicants must already be based in Greater London to be considered for this role.
- Applicants for this position must have pre‑existing rights to work in the United Kingdom.
Business Development Manager in London employer: First Table
At First Table, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer in the hospitality tech industry, with a strong presence across the UK. Our values of Grow Together, Win-Win-Win, and Own It foster a collaborative work culture that encourages personal and professional growth, while our commitment to flexible working arrangements ensures a healthy work-life balance. Join us in shaping the future of dining experiences, where your contributions will be valued and rewarded in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like First Table. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to First Table
Don't be shy about reaching out to First Table directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about First Table and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Table
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
