Strategic Business Development Manager – Food Packaging
Location: Europe (home based)
Sector: Food Packaging / FMCG / Manufacturing
Package: Competitive salary + bonus + benefits
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a major international food packaging business that is investing heavily in growth across Europe and beyond. As part of that strategy, we are looking for a highly driven Strategic Business Development Manager to identify, open and win new global accounts within the food manufacturing, FMCG and retail sectors.
This is a genuine hunter role. Your focus will be on creating opportunities from scratch, penetrating new markets, engaging senior decision makers and securing long-term, high-value commercial partnerships. Existing account management is handled elsewhere – your job is to win the business.
What You'll Be Doing
- Identify and secure new strategic accounts across food manufacturing, FMCG, retail and related supply chains.
- Develop and execute a structured prospecting and territory plan. [Candidate...nt Manager | PDF]
- Generate opportunities through cold outreach, LinkedIn, networking, industry events and referrals.
- Build relationships with procurement, operations, supply chain, sustainability and senior leadership stakeholders.
- Lead the entire sales process from first contact through to negotiation and contract award.
- Work alongside technical, product and operational teams to develop tailored customer solutions.
- Sell on value, including sustainability, innovation, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities across the sector.
What We're Looking For
You will be a commercially driven, ambitious salesperson who thrives on winning new business and opening doors that others cannot.
We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate:
- A proven track record of securing new business and opening strategic accounts.
- Experience selling into food packaging, FMCG, manufacturing or a related B2B environment.
- Strong prospecting, networking and relationship-building skills.
- Experience managing complex, consultative sales cycles involving multiple stakeholders.
- Confidence engaging and negotiating at senior executive level.
- High levels of resilience, persistence and self-motivation.
- The ability to work autonomously and create opportunities without heavy structure or direction.
- A driven, competitive mindset with a passion for winning and exceeding targets.
The Ideal Profile
This role would suit a true hunter who:
- Enjoys building business from a cold start.
- Is highly competitive, energetic and results-focused.
- Is comfortable operating internationally and across multiple regions.
- Can influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex buying structures.
- Has the drive to pursue large strategic opportunities and see them through to close.
Why Join?
- Play a key role in shaping the future growth of a global market leader.
- Win and develop some of the world's largest food manufacturing and retail accounts.
- Work within a business focused on innovation, sustainability and long-term partnerships.
- Enjoy the autonomy to build your own pipeline and make a tangible commercial impact.
If you're a high-performing new business professional looking to make your mark on a global stage, we'd like to hear from you.
BDM - Food Packaging in Manchester employer: Mercury Hampton
Join a dynamic and supportive team at our well-established structural and civil engineering consultancy in Appley Bridge, Wigan, where we prioritise employee growth and development. Enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits that reflect our commitment to your professional journey. With a culture that values innovation and collaboration, you'll find meaningful opportunities to make an impact while advancing your career in a thriving environment.
