At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and support independent retailers to maximise profits and growth.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, bonuses, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values diversity, community support, and employee development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food retail sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: GCSE English & Maths, 3 years retail management experience, and a driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Business Development Manager Permanent Position - North West
Attractive Salary, Benefits, Company Car, Bonus
36.5 Hour week Field Based
Who are we?
Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 6000 colleagues and have been placed 3rd in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2025. We're proud to be an Investors in People accredited employer, and our culture is lived out through our four core values- Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity. Henderson Wholesale is a leading Wholesaler in Northern Ireland and supplies goods to over 450 stores across various brands such as SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO. We source from local farmers, growers and producers and are proud to contribute to our local economy and environment.
A look into the role
Reporting to the Regional Sales Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing support and guidance to a group of independent retailers within the Independent estate. Main responsibilities will include advising on promotional activity, range-review, store layout and operational effectiveness, with the primary objective of growing retailer profit through margin management, turnover growth, and cost control while maximising business available to Henderson Wholesale.
Working as Business Development Manager you will:
- Drive sales at both Wholesale and Retail levels to ensure maximum performance versus budgets.
- Develop marketing plans in your territory to help promote and grow retail sales of individual stores as required, in line with the overall Marketing Strategy.
- Manage customer loyalty and purchasing targets across all commodities, ensuring retailers purchase all products either through the warehouse or via central billing agreements, using reports to manage imagery loans and loyalty rebates.
- Monitor planning and development activity in the territory to identify retail development opportunities.
- Work with Retail Services to ensure that retail development projects are carefully managed to achieve satisfactory outcomes.
- Develop and implement effective business development plans for the SPAR neighbourhood stores.
- Analyse retailers Profit & Loss accounts giving guidance on performance to allow the stores to achieve their net profit targets.
Skills for Success
Joining us as Business Development Manager the minimum criteria you'll need is:
- GCSE English & Maths (or equivalent) at Grade C or above
- Minimum 3 years experience of managing a store within food retail / Convenience / Supermarket sectors or at an account management level
- Experience of driving retail sales or purchases against set budgets
- Experience of NI food retail market
- Proficient in MS Office packages
- Current UK/EU Driving License
The Attributes you'll need include:
- Influencing and Persuading skills
- Excellent Presentation and Communication skills
- Organisational & Planning Skills, setting clear objectives
- Customer-focused mindset
- Team player
- Build and maintain effective relationships with customers and colleagues
It is desirable if you have:
- Experience of dealing with independent retailers within food convenience sector
- Ability to analyse Profit & Loss accounts
Are we right for you?
We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills. We are inclusive and champion diversity. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners. Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people.
Benefits include market competitive salary, company car, bonus, contributory pension scheme, private medical insurance, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Perks Offers/Discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.
This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday.
If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer - email to get in touch. Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Monday 22nd June 2026.
Business Development Executive (Career Opportunity) employer: Henderson Group
Henderson Group is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to employee development and community support. With a strong focus on teamwork, integrity, and customer-first values, we offer a vibrant work culture that fosters growth through comprehensive training and career advancement opportunities. Our competitive benefits package, including a company car, private medical insurance, and generous employee discounts, makes us a leading choice for those seeking a rewarding career in the foodservice industry in Northern Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive (Career Opportunity)
✨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 Business Development Executive (Career Opportunity) at Henderson Group, 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 Henderson Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development Executive (Career Opportunity). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive (Career Opportunity)
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 Henderson Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Henderson Group. 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 Henderson Group
✨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 Henderson Group 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 Henderson Group 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 Henderson Group’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.
