At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth and win sales in the foodservice industry while building strong client relationships.
- Company: Join Solina, a fast-growing company passionate about food and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, car allowance, and pension.
- Other info: Ideal for chefs seeking their first sales role; diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of foodservice with culinary innovation and impactful sales.
- Qualifications: Culinary experience, knowledge of food trends, and a passion for cooking.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture. We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient. Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America. By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet.
Are you a commercially minded chef looking for your first sales role or a salesperson with a passion for food and a hunger to win? As a Business Development Manager at Solina Foodservice, representing our market‑leading brands Rich Sauces, Essential Cuisine, and Zafron Foods, you’ll be on the front line of growth. From Michelin‑level kitchens and premium hotels to fast‑scaling restaurant groups and institutional operators, you’ll identify opportunities, open doors, and convert conversations into profitable partnerships—where bold flavours, culinary innovation, and high‑impact sales come together.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Business Development: Identify and target new business opportunities within the foodservice channel (e.g., QSRs, hotels, schools, healthcare, distributors). Develop and execute strategies to penetrate new markets or expand existing ones. Analyse market trends, competitor activities, and consumer behaviour to inform growth strategies.
- Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential customers (e.g., chefs, procurement managers, foodservice distributors). Act as the main point of contact for key accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction and long‑term partnerships. Conduct regular meetings and presentations to clients to showcase products and solutions.
- Sales & Revenue Growth: Drive sales by promoting products and solutions tailored to the foodservice sector. Collaborate with sales teams to meet or exceed sales targets and KPIs. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service agreements in line with company policy.
- Cross‑functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, R&D, supply chain, and finance teams to align product offerings and delivery with customer needs. Provide market and customer feedback to internal teams to guide product innovation and improvements.
- Product & Menu Development: Support customers in integrating products into their menus or foodservice operations. Provide insights on product usage, preparation, and application in commercial kitchens.
- Budgeting and Reporting: Develop and manage business development budgets. Prepare regular sales forecasts, reports, and performance analyses for senior management.
- Event Participation & Networking: Represent the company at foodservice trade shows, exhibitions, and industry networking events. Organise and lead product demonstrations or sampling events for potential clients.
- Clean UK driving licence.
- Thorough knowledge of food trends, backed up with credible, recent culinary experience.
- Good knowledge of some (if not all) of the following sectors: hotels, pubs and restaurants, QSR, contract catering, education and healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Some prior sales experience within the food wholesale sector would be advantageous.
- Self‑motivated, confident and outgoing with the ability to build relationships at various levels.
- A passion for food and cooking.
- This role could be ideal for a commercially minded chef looking for their first serious sales role.
- Competitive salary.
- Bonus scheme.
- Car allowance.
- Pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI commitment.
Business Development Manager - Scotland and the North of England in Winsford employer: GB03 Essential Cuisine Ltd
At Solina, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant and entrepreneurial culture that thrives on innovation and sustainability. Our team in Winsford enjoys competitive salaries, a bonus scheme, and opportunities for personal growth within a fast-growing international company dedicated to making food matter for people and the planet. Join us to be part of a passionate community where your culinary expertise can drive meaningful change in the foodservice industry.
Contact Details:
GB03 Essential Cuisine Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Scotland and the North of England in Winsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend food industry events, trade shows, and local meet-ups. It's all about making connections and showing your passion for food – you never know who might be looking for a Business Development Manager!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in reaching out to potential clients. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; identify key players in the foodservice sector and introduce yourself. A friendly email or a quick call can open doors!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your culinary knowledge! When meeting with clients, share insights on food trends and how your solutions can enhance their menus. This will position you as a valuable partner rather than just a salesperson.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your approach to highlight your passion for food and how you can drive growth at Solina.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Scotland and the North of England in Winsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Development Manager role. Highlight any relevant culinary experience or sales achievements that show your passion for food and ability to drive growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're excited about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your love for food and any specific experiences that relate to the foodservice industry.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Industry:Demonstrate your understanding of current food trends and the foodservice market in your application. This shows us that you’re not just passionate about food, but also knowledgeable about the industry we operate in.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Solina!
How to prepare for a job interview at GB03 Essential Cuisine Ltd
✨Know Your Food Trends
Make sure you brush up on the latest food trends and culinary innovations. Being able to discuss current market dynamics and how they relate to Solina's offerings will show your passion for food and your understanding of the industry.
✨Build Your Sales Pitch
Prepare a compelling sales pitch that highlights how you can drive growth and win sales for Solina. Think about specific strategies you would use to penetrate new markets or expand existing ones, and be ready to share these ideas during the interview.
✨Showcase Relationship Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in building and maintaining client relationships. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully managed key accounts and ensured customer satisfaction.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Collaboration
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with different teams. Share examples of how you've partnered with marketing, R&D, or finance in previous roles to align product offerings with customer needs, as this is crucial for success at Solina.