At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to drive new business and support marketing initiatives in the food industry.
- Company: Portion Solutions, a leading UK contract packing and manufacturing business.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, formal training, and opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Exciting travel opportunities and a chance to work with major brands.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of business development and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and a passion for collaboration and growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About Portion Solutions, and Portion Pack Group
Portion Solutions Ltd is a UK-based contract packing and contract manufacturing business operating in the food industry. We are part of the Portion Pack Group, which is a leading group of 7 companies, specialising in packing food products, mainly portions and portion controlled solutions in the foodservice market, but also offering innovative concept products to retailers and brand owners, as a co-packing and co-manufacturing partner. From providing just the packing service to fully developing a product along the whole value chain, together with the customer, Portion Pack Group offers customers a wide range of solutions. Our ambition is to further develop our market presence and business volume in the UK for our co-packing and co-manufacturing business, by building on existing successful business, but also through expanding our reach into new markets, segments and categories (for example Sports & Nutrition). Winning new customers and delivering incremental, profitable sales growth is a strategic priority for Portion Solutions Ltd and for the wider Portion Pack Group. This role sits at the centre of that ambition.
The Role
In this role you will be part of the wider UK Commercial team. The Commercial team is responsible for maintaining our existing business with our customer base, as well as generating joint growth strategies over the 5‑year strategic horizon. The commercial team is responsible for all sales and marketing activities with our customer and supplier base, in order to drive profitable growth. Additionally, the commercial team has to be strategically aligned to our customers to deliver against our respective sustainability targets and projects. As the Business Development Executive, you will work within the commercial team, assisting the account managers in driving new business across existing and new customers. Additionally, the role will assist in Marketing & NPD activities, meaning that the candidate will receive 360-degree sales & marketing experience.
What You Will Be Accountable For:
- Prepare customer presentations and supporting materials
- Assist in coordinating events, exhibitions, or client meetings
- Liaise with internal departments (operations, finance, logistics) to resolve client issues
- Prepare pricing quotations, proposals, and sales agreements
- Assist with sales forecasting and data analysis and customer sales reports
Account Management
You will play a vital role in unlocking incremental growth in marquee channels & sectors for PSL. These sectors could be: Amazon & Online, Hotel groups, ‘Incubator’ restaurants and café chains, and Contract Caterers. You will become an expert in these channels for our business with potential to manage your own national and regional accounts, ensuring that the right PSL range is stocked and at the right price & margin.
Trade Marketing
This role will gain experience in delivering brilliant execution into the trade, helping to generate (and land) engaging trade marketing plans both digitally and in trade/customer press.
Training Programme
As well as gaining hands-on experience and learning from their line manager & colleagues, the individual will also receive a formal learning programme through 3rd party training courses. This will expose the individual to further industry best practice. Learning programme will likely include (but limited to):
- Negotiation Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Project Management
What We’re Looking For: Key Traits & Behaviours
- Collaborative & team-orientated mindset
- A self-starter with natural drive & energy
- Honest and dependable, driving mutual trust and respect
- Loves taking responsibility and being accountable
- Huge motivation and drive to make a difference and deliver growth
Experience & Education
- Educated to degree level or above
- Previous experience in account management preferable
- Experience in the FMCG industry preferable
Location
Telford, UK (UK-wide travel expected). Potential for occasional travel to Europe for group meetings (likely Netherlands / Germany).
Graduate Trainee- Business Development in Telford employer: Portion Solutions Limited
Portion Solutions Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Telford that fosters collaboration and innovation within the food industry. With a strong focus on employee growth through formal training programmes and hands-on experience, we empower our team to drive meaningful change and achieve their career aspirations. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and supports your professional development while working towards exciting new market opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee- Business Development in Telford
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Dive into food fairs, science expos, and industry conferences in your area. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and get a feel for the latest trends in food science and technology. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Portion Solutions Limited!
✨Join Food Technology Communities
Get involved in online forums and local groups focusing on food science. Participating in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit can showcase your passion, help you learn, and make useful connections. The more visible you are, the more likely someone from Portion Solutions Limited or elsewhere will take notice.
✨Internship-Specific Networking
As a trainee, you should tap into your university's career services and alumni network. They often have partnerships with companies like Portion Solutions Limited, and can help you find internship programmes or summer placements that aren’t publicly advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills Online
Create a blog or social media account where you share insights about food science trends or experiment results. This not only showcases your expertise but also helps you build a personal brand that might catch the eyes of recruiters, including those from Portion Solutions Limited. Don’t forget to link back to your application on our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee- Business Development in Telford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Food Science:When crafting your application, let your enthusiasm for food science and technology shine through! Share any relevant projects or coursework you've undertaken, and don't hesitate to mention your favourite aspects of food innovation in your cover letter. We love to see candidates who are excited about what we do at Portion Solutions Limited.
Your CV Should Taste Like Success:For a trainee role in food science, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience, even if it's from coursework or internships. Include any lab work, research projects, or experience with food preparation techniques, as these will show us you're ready to dive into the practical side of things.
Certificates and Awards Matter:If you've earned any certificates related to food safety, quality control, or even relevant courses, don't forget to include them! They’re a great way to showcase your commitment and knowledge in food science and technology, which can set you apart from other applicants.
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, connect your motivation directly to what Portion Solutions Limited does. Discuss how this trainee position aligns with your career goals and what you hope to learn and contribute. We’re looking for a fresh perspective from someone eager to develop their skills in our innovative environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portion Solutions Limited
✨Know Your Food Science Basics
Brush up on key concepts in food science and technology, like food safety, preservation methods, and nutrition. We want to be able to discuss their applications in a real-world context — show Portion Solutions Limited you're not just book-smart but also understand how it relates to their products!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during your interview — they might ask how you would handle a specific problem or improve a food process. We should think through potential situations together, so we can showcase your analytical skills and creativity!
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, we want to demonstrate our eagerness to learn and grow in the food science field. Maybe mention specific technologies or techniques you're excited to learn about at Portion Solutions Limited, and how they fit into your career goals.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Food technology often involves teamwork, especially when developing new products or improving processes. We should be ready to share examples of how we've successfully collaborated in the past — even if it's from school projects or relevant experiences!
