At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business growth and win B2B customers across Thames Valley.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, the UK's leading packaging distributor with 75 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, flexible benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Enjoy structured training and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic sales role with clear career progression.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B sales experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, Berkshire (field-based across Thames Valley & M4 Corridor including Slough, Maidenhead, Bracknell, High Wycombe, Oxford and surrounding areas)
Annual Salary: Up to £50,000 (dependent on experience, including London weighting) + OTE (earn up to 100% of salary)
Benefits: Company car or cash allowance (including electric options), flexible benefits
Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday
Sector: B2B Packaging Distribution & Packaging Solutions
Build a high-impact sales career with Macfarlane Packaging. At Macfarlane Packaging, we protect what matters – our customers, our people and the products they rely on every day. As the UK’s leading packaging distributor with over 75 years of heritage, we combine market‑leading capability with a strong growth agenda.
This is a role for a true new business hunter – someone who genuinely thrives on opening doors, winning new customers and building profitable pipelines within a competitive B2B environment.
The Business Development Manager Role:
Working for our Reading based Distribution Centre, you will be responsible for driving pure new business growth across the Thames Valley and wider M4 Corridor area. You will focus on identifying, targeting and converting new B2B customers, selling value‑led packaging solutions and services. While account development will follow, this role is fundamentally about prospecting, winning and delivering sustained new revenue. Success will be measured by your ability to consistently deliver against new business targets and build a robust sales pipeline.
Key responsibilities:
- Proactively identify, target and win new B2B customers across your territory
- Generate and manage a strong pipeline through structured prospecting, appointments and proposals
- Deliver consultative, value‑led packaging solutions tailored to customer needs
- Own the full sales cycle from first contact through to close and handover
- Achieve and exceed agreed new business revenue targets (circa £300k+ annually)
- Negotiate commercially robust pricing and margin‑led agreements
- Accurately manage activity and pipeline via CRM (Microsoft Dynamics)
- Work closely with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding of new customers
What you’ll bring:
Essential:
- Proven experience as a Business Development Manager/New Business Sales professional in a B2B environment
- Demonstrable track record of winning new business and consistently delivering against sales targets
- Experience selling tangible products or solutions using a consultative sales approach
- Strong prospecting capability with confidence in opening doors and creating opportunities
- Commercially astute with strong negotiation and closing skills
- High levels of self‑motivation, resilience and autonomy
- Confident operating in a field‑based role across the Thames Valley/M4 corridor region (and you must reside ‘on patch’)
- Competent using CRM systems and Microsoft Office
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Experience selling packaging, packaging solutions or consumables into B2B markets
- Knowledge of selling into manufacturing, logistics, ecommerce or industrial customers
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics CRM
What you will get:
- Competitive basic salary with lucrative bonus/commission structure
- Company car or cash allowance (including hybrid/electric options)
- 25 days holiday rising to 27 with service, plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working (field based, home working and office based)
- Pension, wellbeing support and flexible benefits
- Structured sales training and development
- Clear career pathways into senior sales, key accounts or leadership roles
- Volunteering days and employee discount schemes
Your future with Macfarlane Packaging:
We are a business where high performers progress. If you consistently deliver, you’ll find genuine opportunity to develop your career within a large, stable and ambitious group business.
Business Development Manager in Reading employer: Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions growth and success. With a strong focus on employee development, our Reading-based team enjoys a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, alongside competitive benefits such as a company car or cash allowance, flexible working options, and structured training programmes. Join us to build a rewarding career in a thriving B2B environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Macfarlane Packaging, their products, and their market position. This will help you tailor your pitch and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or local meet-ups in the Thames Valley area. Building relationships can open doors and give you a leg up when it comes to landing that Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your sales pitch! Be ready to showcase your consultative selling skills and how you've successfully won new business in the past. We want to hear about your significant wins, so have those stories at the ready!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Macfarlane Packaging. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Reading
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 significant wins you've had. 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 tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for new business development and how you plan to drive growth in the Thames Valley area.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes with numbers where possible, like revenue generated or targets exceeded. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team at Macfarlane Packaging!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your sales figures and achievements. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've met or exceeded targets in previous roles. This will show that you’re results-driven and can deliver in a competitive B2B environment.
✨Research the Company
Take some time to understand Macfarlane Packaging’s products and services. Familiarise yourself with their market position and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Expect to engage in role-play during the interview, where you might need to demonstrate your consultative sales approach. Practise how you would pitch a packaging solution to a potential client, focusing on their needs and how you can add value.
✨Showcase Your Prospecting Skills
Be prepared to discuss your prospecting strategies and how you identify new business opportunities. Share specific techniques you’ve used to open doors and convert leads into customers, as this is crucial for the Business Development Manager role.
