BDM - Foodservice

Company profile: One of Europe's leading manufacturers of sustainable food and beverage packaging solutions. The Group operates across multiple manufacturing locations throughout Europe and North America, supplying many of the world's best-known foodservice and consumer brands. UK Operation employs approximately 360 people and generates annual revenues in excess of £120 million. Significant investment in people, technology and manufacturing capability has enabled them to become a trusted partner to leading international brands operating within foodservice, dairy and FMCG sectors. They are now seeking a high-calibre Business Development Manager to help drive the next phase of our growth journey.

Location: This is a field-based UK role. Candidates can be based anywhere within the UK, with an expectation to spend approximately one day per week at our manufacturing facility, together with regular travel to customers and prospects across the UK and Ireland.

Role and Responsibilities:

• This is not a traditional account management role. They are seeking a true hunter with the ability to identify, develop and convert significant new business opportunities within foodservice, packaging and FMCG markets.
• Working directly with the Sales & Marketing Director, you will be responsible for building a portfolio worth £6m-£8m whilst developing long-term strategic relationships with senior decision-makers across target accounts.
• Develop and execute strategic business development plans across the UK and Ireland.
• Identify, target and secure profitable new business opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and board-level contacts.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage the sales process from opportunity identification through to contract award.
• Collaborate closely with technical, operational and manufacturing teams to deliver best-in-class customer solutions.
• Evaluate the commercial viability of new opportunities and deliver profitable growth.
• Monitor market activity, competitor developments and emerging industry trends.
• Provide accurate forecasting, reporting and commercial insight to support business planning.
• Ensure customer accounts operate effectively within agreed commercial terms.

Skills and experience:

• Highly motivated, ambitious and results focused.
• Excellent communicator and presenter.
• Confident engaging with senior executives and board-level stakeholders.
• Strong negotiator with the ability to influence and persuade.
• Commercially astute and strategically minded.
• Organised, self-driven and capable of managing a diverse sales pipeline.
• Analytical and solution-oriented approach.
• Passionate about delivering sustainable business growth.

Qualifications & Knowledge:

• A successful track record in business development, sales or national account management.
• Experience within packaging, foodservice, FMCG or a related manufacturing environment.
• Degree educated or equivalent within a related discipline.
• Demonstrable success in winning and developing major customer accounts.
• Experience influencing stakeholders at multiple levels within customer organisations.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Experience leading projects, teams or cross-functional business initiatives.

Whats on offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Company car / car allowance.
• Pension scheme.
• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Career development opportunities within an international organisation.
• The opportunity to work with globally recognised brands.
• A collaborative, supportive and ambitious culture.