Business Development Manager - Food & Beverage

Business Development Manager - Food & Beverage

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive growth in the Food & Beverage sector by identifying new business opportunities.
  • Company: Join a dynamic company focused on high-quality botanical extracts.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: International travel and collaboration with diverse teams are key aspects of this role.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact in the global market.
  • Qualifications: Experience in B2B Food & Beverage and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

  • Business Development Manager – Food & Beverage
  • UK-based with International Travel

Are you a commercially driven Food & Beverage professional with a passion for ingredients and customer-led growth?

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in expanding a high-quality botanical extract portfolio across global F&B markets.

Reporting to the Business Manager – Food & Beverage, you will be responsible for identifying, developing, and converting new business opportunities while nurturing long-term customer partnerships.

You will manage a structured sales pipeline, lead commercial discussions and contribute directly to revenue growth and margin performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Identify and develop new Food, Beverage, and Nutrition opportunities across agreed target markets.
  • Build strong, sustainable customer relationships, driving repeat business and portfolio expansion.
  • Manage pricing and commercial negotiations in line with profitability objectives.
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging customer needs, providing clear commercial insight.
  • Represent the business at industry events, exhibitions, and key customer meetings.
  • Collaborate closely with Technical, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure customer requirements are clearly defined and delivered.
  • Maintain accurate CRM records, forecasts, and pipeline visibility.

About You

  • Proven experience in B2B Food & Beverage ingredients, such as botanical extracts, flavours, or functional ingredients.
  • Strong understanding of ingredient supply chains and commercial negotiation.
  • Experience working with brand owners, manufacturers, or ingredient distributors.
  • Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Business, or similar (preferred).
  • Fluent English; additional languages an advantage.
  • Willingness to travel internationally.
  • You must have a full UK driving license.
  • You must have the right to work in the UK as our client cannot support visa sponsorship.
  • What’s on Offer
  • A key role in a growing Food & Beverage business with clear strategic ambition.
  • Competitive salary with performance-related bonus.
  • Career development within an entrepreneurial, collaborative organisation.
  • Exposure to a differentiated, technically supported botanical extract portfolio.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Business Development Manager - Food & Beverage employer: Merritt Recruitment Limited.

Merritt Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer for those looking to thrive in the Food & Beverage sector, particularly in the exciting field of botanical ingredients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and employee development, the company offers competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and ample opportunities for career advancement in a dynamic market. Located in the United Kingdom, employees benefit from a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and sustainable relationships with clients.

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Contact Details:

Merritt Recruitment Limited. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Food & Beverage

Join Food Science Communities

Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Merritt Recruitment Limited..

Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops

Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Merritt Recruitment Limited.!

Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech

Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Merritt Recruitment Limited., they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.

Leverage University Career Services

If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Merritt Recruitment Limited., and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Food & Beverage

Business Development
Customer Relationship Management
Commercial Negotiation
Market Analysis
Sales Pipeline Management
B2B Sales Experience
Food & Beverage Industry Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Merritt Recruitment Limited., make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!

Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Merritt Recruitment Limited..

Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Merritt Recruitment Limited.. Make it personal and compelling!

Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Merritt Recruitment Limited.. It shows you're committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at Merritt Recruitment Limited.

Know Your Lab Tech!

Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.

Show Off Your Project Experience

Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.

Emphasise Your Soft Skills

Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Merritt Recruitment Limited.’s mission.