Business Development Manager in Watford

We’re looking for an ambitious and dynamic individual to help IGD take client acquisition to the next level.

Our business is growing. Our client loyalty is high, and to continue to drive our double-digit growth, we need to acquire new clients. That’s the job.

Our Online service has over 400 subscribers worldwide, predominantly manufacturers. We also have a number of retailers and a range of service suppliers in our portfolio of accounts.

The Business Development Manager will play a key role in driving IGD’s commercial activity. Most importantly, you will be a people person and have a background in developing new business. The client is at the heart of everything we do, so we are looking for someone who is passionate about driving new business and also has a consultative approach to client acquisition.

The responsibilities

• Customer Acquisition: You’ll be building rapport and creating relationships with both cold and warm leads.
• You will take ownership of the sales process, from first contact to conversion. Getting under the skin of a client’s challenges will be second nature and you will be passionate about proposing the right first step for each of the clients you engage.
• Whilst on your mission to win new clients, you will also understand the bigger picture and the importance of sustainable growth.

What you bring

• You have a proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets with 2 years + experience in a quota carrying role.
• You will have at least 2+ years’ experience in a B2B and experience of working with FMCG and/or retail clients.
• You have a consultative approach to sales and demonstrable skills in both building and managing robust pipelines.
• You will have the confidence to talk with senior decision makers, in-person and virtually.
• You are self-motivated, comfortable working on your own initiative whilst also being a keen collaborator and team player.
• You are proactive, resilient and tenacious with a ‘can do’ attitude, adept at creative problem solving both internally and externally.
• You have excellent networking skills and ideally have an existing network of contacts in the FMCG/Retail space.
• Experience of a high-performance and customer-focused culture.
• Proven ability to adapt to change and embrace new products and services.
• Strong commercial acumen with a good understanding of business issues.
• You are looking for a company in which to make a real difference and take your career to the next level.

The rewards

We offer a range of benefits, including a market leading pension, a bonus scheme, the ability to buy and sell annual leave plus a generous medical insurance package. At IGD, we have a great work-life balance, where you are empowered & trusted to manage your time.

The location

The role will be based at our head office in Letchmore Heath, near Watford, and remotely as necessary. We are operating a hybrid approach to working with a mix of home and office-based working. We are based in a very accessible location within the M25, just 20 miles from central London. There will be UK and potential international travel required for larger prospects.

More about our people

We’re looking for inspiring professionals; talented people who seek personal and career growth and are ambitious to develop their potential and unlock opportunities for society, for our customers and themselves. We seek and attract the very best people and create an environment that supports and includes them. We aim to encourage a culture where people can be themselves and be valued for their contribution. We therefore welcome applications from diverse candidates. This includes people with disabilities, so please discuss any adjustments that you may require throughout the selection and assessment process.

Our behaviours

• We’re hungry for better.
• We say what needs to be said.
• We solve it together.
• We make it happen.

More about IGD

At IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution), we serve as a unique, impartial force for good, driven by our charitable status and commitment to public benefit. Our purpose is clear: to unite and inspire everyone to deliver a thriving food system. We achieve this by acting as a trusted convener, uniting stakeholders from across the entire agrifood supply chain to address critical challenges. We foster collaboration through a broad range of forums, bringing together businesses, policymakers, and thought leaders. By providing evidence-based insights, credible research, and strategic foresight, we help organisations make informed decisions that not only benefit their operations but also contribute to the collective good of society.

#InspireGrowChange: Join our team to help us make a positive impact and drive change.