Business Development Manager in Cambridge
Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
L

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive new business and expand into emerging markets with innovative solutions.
  • Company: Coda Plastics, a leading UK manufacturer in the packaging sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and clear career progression.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture that values creativity and initiative.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of plastic solutions.
  • Qualifications: Proven business development experience in manufacturing, preferably in plastics.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

Based in the UK

Salary: Commensurate with experience

The Company:

Part of a European packaging group, Coda Plastics is a well-established, UK-based manufacturing business with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, technically advanced plastic solutions. With decades of expertise across injection moulding, blow moulding (injection and extrusion), assembly, and printing, Coda Plastics partners with customers across a wide range of industries to bring innovative products to life. The business is known for its commitment to quality, technical excellence, and customer collaboration, offering end-to-end support from concept through to full-scale production. Coda Plastics was recently acquired by a privately owned growing European packaging group. The business is excited to be embarking on a new chapter with full support from the group.

In order to realise their future mission, Coda Plastics would like to appoint an entrepreneurial experienced Business Development Manager who will play a key role in driving new business and expanding into new markets. Excellent career development opportunities are available.

Summary of opportunity:

We are seeking a highly driven and entrepreneurial New Business Development Manager to accelerate growth through new customer acquisition, emerging market development, and the creation of innovative product and sector opportunities. This is a high-impact role focused on identifying and unlocking new revenue streams—leveraging Coda Plastics’ extensive manufacturing capabilities while also shaping future capability where commercially viable.

Key Responsibilities:

  • New Customer Acquisition & Market Development:
    • Identify, map, and engage prospective customers across diverse sectors and emerging markets
    • Build and manage a strong pipeline through research, networking, and proactive prospecting
    • Develop compelling, tailored value propositions that highlight Coda Plastics’ strengths
    • Represent the business at customer meetings, trade shows, industry events, and through digital channels
  • New Product & Solution Development:
    • Collaborate with Technical, Engineering, and Production teams to explore new opportunities
    • Translate customer challenges into viable manufacturing solutions
    • Support concept development, feasibility studies, costing, and project timelines
    • Guide customers through sampling, validation, and production ramp-up
    • Champion investment in new capabilities where commercially justified
  • Sector Expansion & Strategic Growth:
    • Identify and evaluate new markets aligned with the company’s technical strengths
    • Develop go-to-market strategies including competitor analysis and positioning
    • Promote core strengths including quality, service, design, and technical expertise
    • Explore opportunities across a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to pharma, medical, food contact, and high-specification applications
  • Opportunity Leadership & Internal Collaboration:
    • Act as the internal lead for new business opportunities
    • Coordinate cross-functional teams across design, quality, operations, and commercial
    • Support early-stage project definition, risk analysis, and commercial modelling
    • Maintain accurate CRM reporting, forecasts, and pipeline visibility

Person Profile:

Essential Attributes:

  • Proven success in business development, technical sales, or commercial roles within manufacturing
  • Experience within plastics, moulding, or engineered products is highly desirable
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build opportunities from the ground up
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to communicate technical solutions clearly
  • Excellent presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills

Desirable:

  • Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) and project management
  • Understanding of injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, tooling, and production processes
  • Experience in sectors such as packaging, components, or high-spec regulated industries
  • Exposure to value-added services such as assembly, decoration, or packaging integration

What’s on Offer:

  • Competitive salary with performance-related bonus
  • Clear career progression within a growing, innovation-focused business
  • Exposure to a wide range of industries, products, and technical challenges
  • A supportive culture that values initiative, creativity, and commercial thinking

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.

For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.

To apply please contact Conrad Taylor 0044 (0) 1789 207070

Why select Listgrove?

  • Five Decades of Market Intelligence
  • Unrivalled Industry Networks
  • Recognised International brand
  • HR Qualified Professionals

To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.

Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions: Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.

Performance through People.

Please visit www.listgrove.com for more information on our services, global success and testimonials.

Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: 01197713

Business Development Manager in Cambridge employer: Listgrove Ltd

Coda Plastics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the plastics packaging sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture, Coda Plastics empowers its team to drive growth and explore new market opportunities while enjoying exposure to diverse industries and technical challenges. Join us in shaping the future of manufacturing with a company that values initiative and creativity.
L

Contact Detail:

Listgrove Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Cambridge

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meetups to connect with potential employers and other professionals. Don’t be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for business development in the plastics and packaging sectors.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand online by sharing insights and articles related to business development and the manufacturing industry. This will help you stand out and attract attention from recruiters looking for someone with your skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to appear—reach out directly to companies you admire, like Coda Plastics. Express your interest in their work and how you can contribute to their growth as a Business Development Manager.

✨Tip Number 4

Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter to access exclusive job listings and resources tailored to your career goals. We’re here to support you in landing that dream role in business development!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Cambridge

Business Development
Customer Acquisition
Market Development
Value Proposition Development
Technical Sales
Commercial Acumen
Presentation Skills
Negotiation Skills
Relationship-Building Skills
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Project Management
Understanding of Injection Moulding
Understanding of Blow Moulding
Understanding of Extrusion Processes
Cross-Functional Team Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in business development, especially within the plastics or manufacturing sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what Coda Plastics is looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell a story about your journey and why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use specific examples of your achievements in new customer acquisition and market development. Let us know how you can drive growth at Coda Plastics!

Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role involves technical sales and understanding manufacturing processes, make sure to showcase any relevant knowledge you have. Whether it's about injection moulding or product development, we want to see your expertise shine through!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your initiative and interest in joining our team at Coda Plastics!

How to prepare for a job interview at Listgrove Ltd

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Coda Plastics' products and services. Understand their manufacturing processes like injection moulding and blow moulding. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

As a Business Development Manager, they want someone who can drive growth. Prepare examples of how you've identified new business opportunities in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and create value propositions that resonate with potential clients.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions about technical sales and product development. Brush up on your understanding of the plastics industry and be ready to discuss how you can translate customer challenges into viable solutions. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and problem-solving skills.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about Coda Plastics' future projects or how they plan to expand into new markets. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.

Business Development Manager in Cambridge
Listgrove Ltd
Location: Cambridge

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>