Business Development Manager in Hitchin

Overview

Ransom Naturals Ltd (RNL) is a UK-based specialist in the development and manufacture of botanical extracts, with over 175 years of heritage. Operating from our BRC-approved, GMP-accredited facility in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, we supply high-quality botanical extracts and natural ingredient solutions to the Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, and Pharmaceutical sectors.

Our F&B division works with some of the most recognised names in beverages, food manufacturing, and flavour development — delivering natural botanical extracts, liquid concentrates, and tailor-made ingredient solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance. As part of the O’Brien Group (OBG), RNL offers the stability of an established group alongside the focus and agility of a specialist manufacturer.

Opportunity

We are seeking a commercially driven Business Development Manager to join our growing F&B commercial team. Working alongside our existing F&B BDM, you will take ownership of a defined territory and account base, driving new business acquisition and supporting the continued growth of RNL’s presence in key F&B markets.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a genuine opportunity to join a specialist manufacturer at an exciting stage of its commercial development — with a strong product portfolio, a credible quality story, and real momentum behind the F&B division.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development & Sales: Identify, target and develop new business opportunities within the Food & Beverage sector, including beverage manufacturers, flavour houses, ingredient distributors, and contract manufacturers. Build and manage a robust pipeline of qualified prospects, progressing opportunities through to close. Meet and exceed annual revenue and new business targets as agreed with the Managing Director. Develop tailored commercial proposals and negotiate contracts in line with RNL’s commercial and quality standards.
• Account Management: Maintain and grow relationships with existing F&B clients, driving repeat business, cross-sell, and up-sell opportunities. Act as a trusted commercial partner for key accounts, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention. Coordinate with internal teams to ensure delivery commitments, specification compliance, and regulatory requirements are met.
• Market Intelligence & Strategy: Conduct ongoing market analysis to identify trends, competitor activity, and emerging growth segments. Provide insight and recommendations to the MD to inform divisional strategy and product development priorities. Represent RNL at relevant trade shows, industry events, and customer visits — including international travel where required.
• Reporting & CRM: Maintain accurate records of all commercial activity within the CRM system. Prepare regular pipeline and performance reports for the SLT and Board. Contribute to annual budgeting and forecasting processes for the F&B division.

About You

Essential

• Proven track record in Business Development, Sales or Account Management within Food & Beverage, Ingredients, or an adjacent sector.
• Demonstrable ability to win new business and manage a structured sales pipeline from prospecting through to close.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with the ability to engage confidently at all levels.
• Self-motivated and commercially focused, with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience selling botanical extracts, natural ingredients, flavours, or nutraceuticals into the F&B sector.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations (FSSC 22000, BRC), or relevant compliance frameworks.
• Experience engaging with international customers and distributors.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field; MBA is an advantage.

Why Join RNL?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a business with genuine heritage and ambition – a specialist manufacturer undergoing a focused commercial rebuild, with the backing of an established group and a product portfolio that is increasingly relevant to the growing global demand for natural, botanical ingredients.