At a Glance
- Tasks: Grow First Table's restaurant network and mentor new BDMs in Manchester and Liverpool.
- Company: Join a dynamic dining discovery platform with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, travel allowance, and free dining bookings.
- Other info: Remote-first role with excellent career growth opportunities and regular coaching.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the vibrant dining scene while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in business development, strong relationship-building skills, and hospitality knowledge preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the opportunity
Manchester and Liverpool have two of the UK's most exciting dining scenes, and First Table is looking for a driven, food-loving Senior BDM to grow its presence across both cities. You'll spend your time meeting restaurant owners and hospitality leaders, winning new business, and — as a senior member of the sales team — mentoring and onboarding other BDMs. Backed by an established brand and a collaborative team across the UK, Australia and NZ, you'll have freedom to own your territory with strong support behind you.
About First Table
Our vision is to be the first place diners go to book a table. Established in Queenstown, New Zealand over a decade ago, we're a dining discovery platform operating across NZ, Australia and the UK, connecting diners to restaurants through clever tech — helping venues fill early tables and giving diners a reason to try somewhere new. Our values: Grow Together, Win-Win-Win, and Own It.
About the role
You'll grow First Table's restaurant network across your territory while stepping into a leadership role within the wider sales team. Your primary focus is winning new restaurant partners — owning opportunities from first conversation through to onboarding — while supporting existing partners where needed. As a senior individual contributor, you'll consistently exceed targets, set the benchmark for the team, formally coach and mentor newer BDMs, and take on a designated special remit (a category focus, growth initiative, or training lead role) working with the Regional Lead and senior leadership. You'll work autonomously, meeting restaurant owners and operators in person, using market insight and data to build a healthy pipeline — all while backed by an experienced team, clear systems, and regular coaching.
What you'll be doing
- Identify and win new restaurant partners to grow your local market
- Build a healthy pipeline through proactive prospecting and territory planning
- Develop win-win relationships that help partners launch successfully
- Track market trends and competitors to spot new opportunities
- Formally onboard, coach and mentor newer/growing BDMs
- Hold a special remit, working on initiatives beyond your own territory
- Contribute to sales decks, onboarding materials and CRM workflows
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for a seamless partner experience
What you'll bring
- 3+ years' proven success in business development, field sales, partnerships or another customer-facing sales role, with a track record of exceeding targets
- Confidence building rapport quickly and turning opportunities into long-term partnerships
- Proven leadership capability in a peer or mentoring capacity
- Hospitality industry familiarity is a big plus — existing contacts will push you to the top of the queue
- A commercially sharp, self-starting mindset with strong territory planning and discipline
- A full, valid UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle (regular travel between Manchester and Liverpool required)
- A track record of being asked to represent the team in cross-functional projects or with senior leadership
Why you'll love it here
Full-time with flexible hours and autonomy over your schedule; remote-first but well-supported with regular coaching; competitive OTE (base + commission) plus travel allowance, laptop and phone; a genuine leadership pathway with a special remit; free First Table bookings; team recognition and referral incentives; and a purpose-led, award-winning brand.
How to apply
Submit your CV and a brief cover letter via the Apply Now link, telling us what excites you about the role. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so don't wait to apply.
Note: applicants must be based in or near Manchester or Liverpool (or well-placed to cover both), and must already have the right to work in the UK. First Table is an equal opportunity employer, happy to discuss flexible working and reasonable adjustments.
Senior Business Development Manager - Manchester and Liverpool employer: First Table
First Table is an exceptional employer that champions autonomy and flexibility, allowing you to thrive in a remote-first environment while making a significant impact in the hospitality tech sector. With a strong focus on professional growth, competitive compensation, and a collaborative team culture, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career in this dynamic role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager - Manchester and Liverpool
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Senior Business Development Manager - Manchester and Liverpool at First Table, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including First Table. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior Business Development Manager - Manchester and Liverpool. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager - Manchester and Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for First Table:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for First Table. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Table
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show First Table that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show First Table that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with First Table’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
