At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and grow relationships with major UK retailers while driving commercial growth.
- Company: Family-run food manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, strong earning potential, 28 days holiday, and pension.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and strong support from NPD team.
- Why this job: Take ownership of accounts and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with UK food retailers and a proactive sales approach.
Location: Leicester
Hours: Monday to Friday, office-based with regular UK travel
Salary: Negotiable + strong earning potential + bonus
Benefits: 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), pension, sponsorship available
We are exclusively partnering with a well-established, family-run food manufacturer based in Leicester, supplying major UK retailers with a strong portfolio of branded and own-label products. The business is known for quality, innovation, and long-term customer partnerships across multiple UK retail and foodservice channels.
Why this role?
This is a genuine opportunity to take ownership—not just maintain accounts but grow them. You’ll be trusted to develop existing retail relationships, open new doors, and actively shape commercial growth within a business that values ideas, pace, and results. If you enjoy being out with customers, spotting opportunities, and turning conversations into commercial wins, this is a role where you’ll thrive.
The Role
- Own and grow relationships with major UK retail customers
- Develop own-label and private label opportunities
- Spend significant time on the road meeting buyers and building relationships
- Identify new categories and growth opportunities within existing accounts
- Win new business across the UK retail landscape
- Work closely with NPD to bring new products to market successfully
- Deliver a high level of service—responsive, flexible, and commercially focused
- Influence key stakeholders and drive long-term partnerships
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience working with major UK food retailers (essential)
- Background in food manufacturing or B2B food sales
- A proactive, self-starting sales approach—you create opportunity, not wait for it
- Strong relationship builder with the ability to influence buyers and decision-makers
- Energetic, resilient, and comfortable in a fast-paced, target-driven environment
- Confident communicator with a commercial mindset
The Opportunity
This is a chance to join a business where success is rewarded, relationships matter, and growth is very real. You’ll have the autonomy to build your own portfolio, the support of a strong NPD function, and the opportunity to earn strong bonus based on performance. If you want a role where you can genuinely make an impact and grow with the business, this is it.
Business Development Manager in Leicester employer: Industrious Recruitment
Join a well-established, family-run food manufacturer in Leicester, where your contributions are valued and rewarded. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and development. Enjoy competitive benefits, including 28 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and the opportunity to earn bonuses based on your performance, all while building meaningful relationships with major UK retailers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food manufacturing and retail sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its products thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in building relationships and driving growth. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Development Manager. Highlight your experience with major UK food retailers and any relevant achievements in food manufacturing or B2B sales. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your proactive sales approach and relationship-building skills. Tell us why you're excited about this opportunity and how you plan to grow our customer accounts. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Results:When detailing your past experiences, focus on the results you've achieved. Whether it's winning new business or developing successful partnerships, we want to know how you've made an impact. Numbers and specific examples can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our family-run business!
How to prepare for a job interview at Industrious Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background, especially their products and relationships with UK retailers. Familiarise yourself with their portfolio and think about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with major food retailers. Highlight your proactive approach in spotting opportunities and turning them into wins—this is key for a Business Development Manager.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commercial mindset. Think of scenarios where you’ve influenced stakeholders or successfully launched new products, and be prepared to share these stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about their growth strategies or how they see the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
