At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow relationships with independent wholesalers across the UK.
- Company: Established food business focused on innovative protein and frozen products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the foodservice industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in independent wholesale or foodservice is essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a fast-paced environment with plenty of opportunities to build lasting partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Supporting a well-established food business looking to hire 2 Regional Sales Managers to cover the North and South of the UK. You will take ownership of a busy, commercially active territory, supplying a strong range of added-value protein and frozen products used widely across foodservice and wholesale – a key part of the business’s growth strategy.
This role will suit someone who knows how independent wholesalers operate and enjoys being out with customers, building relationships, and spotting opportunities that make a difference.
Role OverviewYou will be responsible for managing a mix of established wholesale accounts, ensuring regular contact, building strong working relationships, and expanding product distribution within each customer. Alongside this, you will identify new business opportunities within your region, introduce the range to prospective wholesalers, and support them as they bring it to market. Your week will be a blend of customer meetings, planning, follow-ups, and working closely with the wider commercial team.
Key Responsibilities:- Look after a defined regional portfolio including both larger and mid-sized wholesale accounts.
- Review performance with customers, discuss opportunities, and help them grow the category.
- Keep a close eye on order patterns to protect volume and maintain momentum.
- Identify suitable independent wholesalers and distributors in the region.
- Introduce the range, explain its strengths, and guide them through first orders and early sales.
- Build relationships that develop into long-term trading partnerships.
- Present the range clearly and confidently to buyers and sales teams.
- Support customers with tastings, sampling and product demonstrations when needed.
- Share market observations and competitor updates with the internal team.
- Plan your visits effectively, balancing existing customer needs with new business activity.
- Maintain accurate notes and updates to support internal forecasting and planning.
- Represent the brand professionally across the region.
- Background in independent wholesale or foodservice is essential.
- Ideally experience with protein, frozen, or other food categories that require hands-on selling.
- Comfortable managing significant account values and working to commercial targets.
- Confident presenting to wholesale buyers, owners and wider teams.
- Down-to-earth, personable and able to build trust quickly.
- Organised, reliable and able to manage your own schedule.
- Enjoys working with wholesalers and understands the pace and informality of the channel.
- Commercially minded and able to prioritise where your time is best spent.
Foodservice Business Development Manager employer: Nigel Wright Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Nigel Wright Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Foodservice Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend industry events, trade shows, or local meet-ups where you can connect with independent wholesalers. Building relationships face-to-face can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups. After meeting potential clients, drop them a quick email or message to thank them for their time and remind them of your conversation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to showcase your products! Bring samples or demos to meetings. This not only helps buyers see the value but also gives them a taste of what they could be offering their customers.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, keep an eye on the competition. Understanding what others are doing can help you identify gaps in the market and tailor your pitch accordingly. Plus, sharing these insights with your internal team can strengthen your overall strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Foodservice Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Foodservice Business Development Manager. Highlight your experience with independent wholesalers and any relevant food categories, like protein or frozen products. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for building relationships and spotting opportunities in the foodservice industry. Let us know why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our growth strategy.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage accounts and drive sales. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve increased sales or expanded product distribution, make sure we see that!
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Recruitment
✨Know Your Territory
Before the interview, make sure you research the specific region you'll be covering. Understand the key independent wholesalers in that area, their needs, and how your potential employer's products can meet those needs. This will show your interviewer that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with clients in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to maintain and grow these partnerships. This role is all about trust and rapport, so demonstrating your ability to connect with people will be crucial.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Trends
Stay updated on current trends in the foodservice and wholesale sectors, especially regarding protein and frozen products. Bring insights to the interview about what’s happening in the market and how it could impact the business. This shows that you’re not just focused on sales but also understand the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, such as introducing a new product to a hesitant wholesaler or managing a drop in order volume. Think through your responses and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commercial mindset.