Business Development Manager - Foodservice in Southampton

Business Development Manager - Foodservice in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 43200 - 72000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Morliny Foods

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead growth in foodservice and B2B channels, managing key accounts and driving new business.
  • Company: Morliny Foods is a top European meat producer, part of the global WH Group family.
  • Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, a supportive team, and the chance to shape a UK growth strategy.
  • Other info: Regular travel across the UK and occasional trips to Europe may be necessary.
  • Why this job: Join a trusted brand with real influence and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Qualifications: Proven track record in food industry account management; strong analytical and communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.

Morliny Foods is one of the largest quality meat producers in Europe. We sustainably produce packaged meat, fresh pork & poultry products for the international markets with operations in Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Spain, France & the UK. Part of the WH Group global family, alongside Smithfield Foods Inc. & Shuanghui Development, Morliny Foods is driven to deliver excellence and innovation in a responsible manner.

We’re now looking for a commercially driven Business Development Manager to lead growth across our added value and cooked poultry range, targeting foodservice, retail, and food manufacturing customers.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the National Account Controller, with the full backing of a global supply chain, proven capability, and production already in place; you will take ownership of leading customers across Foodservice and B2B channels. A strong commercial leader with excellent business development skills, you will utilise your Key Account Management experience and food sector knowledge to firmly establish Morliny as a leading Foodservice and B2B player in the UK market.

The role will be centred around:

  • National Foodservice Wholesalers outside of the larger groups
  • Key Accounts and Large End-User Customers (QSR, Leisure etc)
  • Larger Regional Foodservice Wholesalers
  • Elements of B2B/Manufacturing Channel

Leading the profitable growth of the following products:

  • Fresh and Cooked/Added Value Chicken
  • Streaky Bacon
  • Charcuterie

Key Drivers

  • Develop and execute a UK growth plan across key sectors
  • Manage and grow a portfolio of existing commercial accounts
  • Win new business across foodservice, retail, and manufacturing
  • Lead NPD to maximise utilisation of existing production capabilities
  • Coordinate the wider Morliny UK virtual team to deliver on objectives
  • Report on sales volumes and customer performance weekly, monthly, and quarterly

Why Join?

  • Trusted European heritage – A well-established brand, backed by the strength and scale of a global food group
  • Lead with autonomy – Genuine freedom to shape and deliver a UK growth strategy
  • Own the channel strategy – Lead the Foodservice & Food Manufacturing (B2B) growth agenda across the UK market
  • Scalable manufacturing capability – Supported by strong technical and NPD teams to drive innovation
  • High-impact commercial role – Visibility with senior leadership and real influence over strategic direction
  • Maximise your potential – A rare opportunity to drive, grow and realise your full potential in a high-growth environment
  • Lean, agile UK setup – Operate at pace with the support of a major group infrastructure

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated commercial leader with a proven track record in the food industry, ideally in private-label products.

  • Strong account management experience in food manufacturing
  • Proven ability to open new business and drive growth
  • Excellent knowledge of the foodservice and food manufacturing sectors
  • Ideally experience of added value food (not essential)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • High level of analytical ability and commercial acumen
  • Comfortable with regular travel across the UK (Europe on occasion)
  • Fully proficient in Microsoft Office

The successful candidate will be naturally β€œEntrepreneurial” in their approach to National Accounts and be ready to drive their career forward with a leading International Food Business.

Please note: We have chosen to work exclusively with PT Executive; therefore, we kindly ask that other recruiters respect our decision and do not contact us in relation to this role. Thank You.

Business Development Manager - Foodservice in Southampton employer: Morliny Foods

Morliny Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead the growth of innovative food products in the UK market. With a strong European heritage and the backing of a global food group, employees enjoy autonomy in their roles, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a significant impact within a lean and agile setup. Join us to maximise your potential in a high-growth environment that values excellence and innovation.

Morliny Foods

Contact Detail:

Morliny Foods Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🀫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Foodservice in Southampton

✨Tip Number 1

Network within the foodservice industry. Attend trade shows, conferences, and local events to meet potential contacts and learn about the latest trends. Building relationships with key players can give you an edge when applying for the Business Development Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Research Morliny Foods and its competitors thoroughly. Understand their product offerings, market position, and growth strategies. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to driving their business forward during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts and driven growth in previous roles. Highlight your experience in the food industry and any innovative strategies you've implemented that could be relevant to Morliny Foods.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on industry news and developments, particularly in the foodservice and B2B sectors. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and opportunities will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and showcase your expertise during the application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Foodservice in Southampton

Key Account Management
Business Development
Food Industry Knowledge
Commercial Acumen
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development and account management within the food industry. Emphasise any achievements related to growth in foodservice or B2B channels.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the food industry and your understanding of Morliny Foods' market position. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully driven growth in previous roles.

Highlight Key Skills:In your application, clearly outline your analytical abilities, communication skills, and any experience with new product development (NPD). These are crucial for the role and should be evident in your written materials.

Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:Demonstrate your entrepreneurial mindset in your application by providing examples of how you've taken initiative in past roles. This will resonate well with the company's desire for a commercially driven leader.

How to prepare for a job interview at Morliny Foods

✨Research Morliny Foods

Before the interview, make sure to thoroughly research Morliny Foods and its position in the foodservice industry. Understand their product range, especially the added value and cooked poultry products, as well as their operations across Europe. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its goals.

✨Showcase Your Account Management Skills

Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your account management skills. Discuss how you've successfully managed key accounts and driven growth in the food manufacturing sector. Be ready to explain your strategies for opening new business opportunities and maintaining strong client relationships.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

During the interview, showcase your analytical abilities and commercial acumen. Be prepared to discuss market trends in the foodservice and food manufacturing sectors, and how you would leverage this knowledge to develop a UK growth plan. This will show that you can think strategically and contribute to the company's objectives.

✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers

Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the company's growth strategy, the challenges they face in the foodservice market, and how the role of Business Development Manager fits into their overall vision. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.