At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth in the exciting seafood sector with autonomy and creativity.
- Company: Fast-growing seafood supplier in the UK foodservice industry.
- Benefits: Real autonomy, direct access to decision-makers, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and encourage all to apply.
- Why this job: Shape your role in a thriving SME and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in sales or business development, ideally in foodservice.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're hiring a Business Development Manager to help grow one of the most exciting seafood businesses in UK foodservice. A varied, field-based role with real autonomy: contract catering, travel, and the next wave of fast-growing restaurant groups. If you're entrepreneurial, know good food, and want your work to actually move the needle in a growing SME, then let's talk!
About the role
We're a growing seafood supplier serving some of the most exciting names in UK foodservice, and we're investing in our commercial team to match our ambition. As an independent, owner-led business, we move quickly, trust our people to make decisions, and value initiative over hierarchy. You'll have the freedom to run your channels like they're your own.
This is a brand-new field sales role with genuine breadth: you'll develop long-term partnerships with contract caterers and travel operators while winning and growing the next generation of branded restaurant groups. It's a deliberately varied role with two rhythms. One side is considered, relationship-led business development in contract catering and travel, where the best opportunities are won over months, not days. The other is faster-paced new business with independent and founder-led, fast-growing restaurant concepts — the kind that start with a few sites and scale quickly. If you enjoy both the long game and the thrill of an early win, you'll thrive here.
What you'll do
- Build and grow a pipeline of new business across contract catering (profit sector), travel (rail, air, motorway services and venues) and emerging multi-site restaurant groups.
- Develop relationships with buyers, procurement teams and executive chefs, positioning us well ahead of tender and review windows.
- Lead tender responses, pricing proposals and supply submissions, working closely with our operations team on product specification and capability.
- Win existing small groups from month one and new branded groups as they emerge; support them as they scale across new regions.
- Manage the launch of new contracts and listings end to end — specs, onboarding and logistics — so every account starts strongly.
- Manage your territory and pipeline with discipline, keeping our CRM accurate and your forecasting honest.
- Grow and retain an existing base of accounts, increasing range and value over time.
What you'll bring
- Around 3–5 years in field sales, account management or business development — ideally in foodservice, hospitality, FMCG or a closely associated sector.
- A genuine feel for food and the people who buy and serve it; equally comfortable talking to an independent restaurateur and presenting to a large procurement team.
- The patience and organisation to nurture longer sales cycles, alongside the drive to chase and close new business from day one.
- Strong communication and writing skills, particularly for proposals and tenders.
- Strong numerical skills supported by an understanding of relevant systems such as CRM, Excel pricing models, Power BI and Product / Order Management systems.
- A confident, self-directed approach to managing your own territory, and comfort using a CRM to plan and prioritise.
- Ability to learn a new category quickly and speak with authority on a diverse product range.
- An entrepreneurial, self-starting mindset — you enjoy the freedom and variety of a smaller business, but bring the skills to help us build the best processes to grow, keeping the voice of the customer central as we scale up.
- A full UK driving licence.
Why join us
This is a chance to shape a role from the ground up in a business that's growing fast and promoting from within. As an SME, we offer something the big suppliers can't: real autonomy, direct access to decision-makers, and the variety of a role where no two days look the same. If you're entrepreneurial, like to spot an opportunity and run at it, and want your work to genuinely move the needle, you'll fit right in.
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. If you're excited by the role but don't tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you.
Business Development Manager in Ruislip employer: Shield Foods (UK) Ltd
Join a dynamic and entrepreneurial seafood supplier that values initiative and offers real autonomy in your role as a Business Development Manager. With a vibrant work culture that encourages personal growth and direct access to decision-makers, you'll thrive in a fast-paced environment where your contributions genuinely impact the business. Located in South Ruislip, London, this is an exciting opportunity to shape your career while working with some of the most innovative names in UK foodservice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Ruislip
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Business Development Manager at Shield Foods (UK) Ltd, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Shield Foods (UK) Ltd. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Ruislip
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Shield Foods (UK) Ltd:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Shield Foods (UK) Ltd. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield Foods (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Shield Foods (UK) Ltd that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Shield Foods (UK) Ltd that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Shield Foods (UK) Ltd’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
