At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and build customer relationships in the packaging sector.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a market leader with over 75 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Up to £48,000 salary, bonus potential, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape your future with structured career pathways and extensive training opportunities.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in B2B sales, strong negotiation skills, and a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 48000 £ per year.
Join a market leader and drive further business growth.
Salary: Up to £48,000 (depending on experience) + bonus/commission (earn up to 100% of salary!)
Package: Company car/allowance, hybrid working, flexible benefits, and up to 27 days holiday (+ bank holidays & additional leave purchase scheme)
Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday-Friday
Sector: Packaging Solutions & Distribution
Unpack a rewarding sales career with Macfarlane Packaging. At Macfarlane Packaging, we’re in the business of protecting what matters—our people, our customers, and the planet. We’re also passionate about protecting and growing careers, and this is your opportunity to thrive in a role where success is truly rewarded. With over 75 years of industry expertise, we offer stability, innovation, and a dynamic environment where high performance is recognised.
Your Role:
In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of continually expanding our market presence within London. Reporting to the Regional Sales Manager and responsible for a £3M+ turnover territory, you’ll use your consultative sales approach to build a robust sales pipeline and convert new customer relationships. You’ll spend much of your time in the field—networking, cold‑calling, and following up on marketing activities—while conducting packaging audits, preparing proposals, and closing deals to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Drive business growth by developing and implementing a sales plan that secures new customer relationships across your territory.
- Utilise a consultative approach to negotiate commercial terms, assess opportunities, and maximise profitability while expanding our customer base.
- Engage with key decision‑makers through networking, cold‑calling, and packaging audits to uncover cross‑selling and upselling opportunities.
- Collaborate with regional and national teams to ensure seamless customer onboarding, maintain high service standards, and support effective sales administration.
- Leverage CRM tools (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics) to track leads, manage your sales pipeline, and support solution development.
What We’re Looking For:
- A minimum of two years’ experience in a client acquisition‑focused, B2B field sales role with a proven track record in securing new business.
- Ideally some previous experience of packaging related sales (and understanding of products/technical specifications).
- Demonstrated success in a consultative, solutions‑based sales approach with strong negotiation and closing skills.
- Experience planning and executing sales campaigns—including cold‑calling, networking, and leveraging referrals—to meet challenging sales targets.
- Proven ability in managing margin control and optimising profit margins during negotiations.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills, both in person and in writing.
- Self‑motivation, resilience, and the ability to work autonomously with strong commercial acumen.
- A valid UK driving licence, residence ‘on patch’ within the stipulated territory, and a willingness to travel across the region and to our site in Harlow regularly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (experience with Microsoft Dynamics is advantageous).
Why Choose Macfarlane?
- 25 days holiday (rising to 27 with service) + bank holidays
- Additional holiday purchasing scheme
- Flexible benefits, including enhanced pension and life assurance
- A choice of company car or cash allowance (including electric options)
- Wellbeing and employee assistance programmes
- Extensive training and career development opportunities
- Employee discounts, volunteering days, and more!
Shape Your Future with Us
We empower our people to achieve their ambitions. Whether you’re seeking leadership opportunities or specialist training, we provide structured career pathways for growth—including accredited programmes with the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) and the Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP). The possibilities are limitless. We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Business Development Manager in Harlow employer: Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being a market leader in the packaging solutions sector, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive training opportunities and a flexible benefits package, including hybrid working and generous holiday allowances. Join us to not only drive business success but also to unlock your potential in a rewarding career where your achievements are recognised and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend industry events, trade shows, or local meetups to connect with potential clients and decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about building relationships that can lead to new business opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of cold-calling. It might feel daunting, but it’s a great way to introduce yourself and your services. Prepare a solid pitch and be ready to handle objections like a pro!
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and connect with industry professionals. Share insights, engage in discussions, and don’t shy away from reaching out to potential leads directly.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to follow up on any leads you generate. A simple email or call can keep the conversation going and show your commitment. Plus, it’s a great way to remind them of the value you can bring to their business!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in B2B sales and any relevant achievements that showcase your consultative approach and ability to secure new business.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our mission at Macfarlane Packaging. Be sure to mention your experience with packaging solutions if you have it!
Showcase Your Sales Success:In your application, don’t forget to include specific examples of your past sales successes. Whether it’s hitting targets or building strong customer relationships, we want to see how you’ve driven growth in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Macfarlane Packaging and understand their products and services. Familiarise yourself with the packaging industry trends and how they impact business development. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your consultative sales approach and success in securing new business. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships, negotiated terms, and closed deals, as these are key aspects of the Business Development Manager role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their sales strategies, team dynamics, and how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Territory Management
Since you'll be managing a £3M+ turnover territory, be prepared to talk about how you plan to develop and implement a sales strategy. Discuss your experience with CRM tools like Microsoft Dynamics and how you use them to track leads and manage your sales pipeline effectively.