At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business growth and build strong customer relationships in a dynamic sales role.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Group, a leader in packaging solutions with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible benefits, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities with structured development and training support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by winning new business and developing meaningful client relationships.
- Qualifications: Two years of B2B sales experience and a proven track record in new business acquisition.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location/Territory: Local Lancashire & North Manchester Region
Salary: Up to £50,000 (dependent on experience) + bonus (OTE up to 100% of salary)
Package: Company car or allowance, flexible benefits, up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & holiday purchase scheme)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Sector: Packaging Distribution & Solutions
Protecting what matters, together. We’re dedicated to protecting what matters most – our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. At Macfarlane Packaging, our commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability and continual improvement creates a highly collaborative, supportive and friendly workplace where you can build a sales career that grows.
The Business Development Manager Role: This is a new business, field-based sales role focused on driving profitable growth across your assigned local territory. You will take ownership of developing a robust sales pipeline, targeting and converting new customers through a consultative, solution-led approach. Working closely with internal teams and regional leadership, you will identify opportunities, conduct packaging audits, present tailored solutions, and secure profitable new business opportunities across a broad range of sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a structured territory sales plan focused on new business acquisition
- Identify, target, and win new customers through cold calling, networking, referrals, and marketing leads
- Build and maintain a strong, active pipeline to consistently achieve and exceed new business targets
- Conduct customer site visits and packaging audits to identify improvement opportunities
- Present tailored, solution-led proposals aligned to customer needs and commercial objectives
- Negotiate pricing and commercial terms to maximise margin and long-term value
- Work closely with internal teams (sales support, procurement, logistics) to ensure smooth onboarding and delivery
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all activity, opportunities, and pipeline via CRM (MS Dynamics)
- Collaborate with wider regional and national teams to maximise cross-selling opportunities
What You Will Bring:
Essential:
- Minimum of two years’ experience in a B2B field sales role focused on targeted new business acquisition
- Proven track record of winning new business and achieving sales targets
- Strong consultative selling approach with the ability to identify needs and deliver tailored products & solutions
- Experience generating own leads through cold calling, networking, and proactive prospecting
- Commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate effectively and protect margin
- Self‑motivated, resilient, and comfortable working autonomously in a field‑based role
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Valid UK driving licence
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and CRM systems
Desirable:
- Experience within packaging, manufacturing, distribution, or a related technical product environment
- Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics CRM
What You Will Get: We provide a competitive basic salary alongside a lucrative bonus structure designed to recognise and incentivise success. Our flexible benefits package can include:
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 with service) plus all public/bank holidays
- Additional holiday purchase scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Company car or cash allowance (including electric options)
- Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
- Extensive training and development opportunities
- Employee discount scheme (retail and leisure)
- Annual paid volunteering day
- Simply Health/Dental or BUPA options (role dependent)
- Enhanced HR policies and long service awards
- Charitable giving options
- Financial support with eye tests and glasses (DSE users)
- EE mobile discount scheme
Your Future With Us: At Macfarlane Group, we actively support career progression and internal mobility. This role offers a clear pathway into senior sales or leadership positions, supported by structured development plans and ongoing training.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion or sexual orientation. Should you require any support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.
Business Development Manager Macfarlane Group UK Ltd in Reading employer: Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
At Macfarlane Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of Lancashire & North Manchester. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance and flexible working options, and a culture that champions collaboration and innovation, we empower our Business Development Managers to thrive and build meaningful careers. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to protecting what matters most while enjoying genuine opportunities for progression and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager Macfarlane Group UK Ltd in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Macfarlane Group's values, recent projects, and their approach to sustainability. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or local meetups in Lancashire and North Manchester. Building relationships with potential clients and other professionals can open doors and give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Prepare a compelling story about your past successes in B2B sales. Highlight how you've driven new business and built strong client relationships, as this is key for the Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager Macfarlane Group UK Ltd in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Development Manager. Highlight your experience in B2B sales and any specific achievements that showcase your ability to win 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 Group. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Sales Success:We want to see your track record! Include specific examples of how you've successfully developed new business and met sales targets in the past. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing them.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure you apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
✨Know Your Territory
Familiarise yourself with the Lancashire and North Manchester region. Research local businesses, their packaging needs, and any recent developments in the area. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the market during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully acquired new business in previous roles. Highlight your consultative selling approach and how you've tailored solutions to meet customer needs. Numbers speak volumes, so be ready to discuss your sales targets and achievements.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Macfarlane Group values collaboration and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment or supported sustainable practices in your previous roles.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Brush up on your negotiation skills and be ready to discuss your approach to pricing and commercial terms. Think about how you can protect margins while still providing value to customers. This will show that you understand the balance between profitability and customer satisfaction.
