At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow First Table's presence in Northern UK while mentoring a dynamic team.
- Company: Join an innovative hospitality tech company with a strong global presence.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, travel allowance, and free dining perks.
- Other info: Remote-first role with opportunities for career growth and team celebrations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the dining scene while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a driven, people-focused Business Development Manager - Regional Lead to help take First Table’s next phase of UK growth to the next level. This is a newly created role, due to the expansion of our UK business and growth of the team, with real scope to make an impact. You’ll be at the forefront of growing our presence across the North of the UK, managing coaching and mentoring a team, leading from the front, opening doors with great restaurant partners, strengthening our local market presence, and helping shape how our regional sales team succeeds. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone who loves hospitality, thrives on building commercial relationships, and gets genuine energy from coaching others to do their best work. You’ll have the autonomy to grow your region, the support of an ambitious global team, and the chance to play a visible role in First Table’s continued UK expansion. This is a remote-first role, with regular travel across the Northern region of the UK for restaurant meetings, team collaboration, and industry events.
At First Table, our vision is simple: to be the first place diners go to book a table. Proudly established in Queenstown, New Zealand - where our head office is based - we've been leading the charge in the hospitality tech industry for over a decade, with operations spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. First Table now offers our great dining experiences at amazing restaurants across the UK. Following the recent city launches in Bournemouth, Leicester, Norwich, and Southampton, we are doubling down on building a strong presence and connected team across the UK. First Table is a dining discovery platform that connects diners to restaurants through their love of food. Through our clever tech, we help restaurants get their night off to a great start and give diners a compelling reason to try somewhere new. It’s a win-win situation. From early bird offers to last table reservations, we make discovering and booking great dining experiences fast, easy, and rewarding. At the heart of everything we do are our values: Grow Together, Win-Win-Win, and Own It. These guide how we show up for each other, our restaurant partners, and our diners and they’re a big part of what makes First Table a great place to work.
In this newly created role, you’ll balance hands-on business development with day-to-day leadership of a regional BDM team. You’ll work closely with restaurant owners, operators, and hospitality groups to grow First Table’s restaurant network, while coaching your team to achieve regional sales goals and build strong, lasting partner relationships. This role would suit someone who enjoys being out in the market, leading by example, and creating momentum through clear goals, practical support, and a strong team culture.
What you’ll be doing:
- Build and grow First Table’s presence across the Northern region of the UK
- Identify, pitch, and close new restaurant partnerships
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of BDMs
- Run regular coaching sessions and performance check-ins
- Work with UK and global leadership on sales strategy and regional growth
- Represent First Table at industry events and networking opportunities
- Share local market insights to help shape future growth opportunities
What you’ll bring:
- Experience in business development, field sales, or partnerships
- Previous leadership, mentoring, or coaching experience
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- A commercially minded self-starter who thrives autonomously
- Experience working with CRM systems and remote teams
- Hospitality industry experience or restaurant connections are a strong advantage
Why you’ll love working with us:
- A full-time role with flexible working hours and the autonomy to manage your own schedule
- Remote-first, but never remote-feeling
- Competitive OTE (base salary + commissions), plus travel allowance, laptop and phone
- The chance to step into an existing client base while shaping and growing your own market
- Clear KPIs, supportive coaching, and a team culture that celebrates shared wins
- Free First Table bookings as a team perk - perfect for fellow food lovers.
- We recognise great work, with team-wide recognition shoutouts, referral incentives, and regular opportunities to celebrate wins.
- Being part of a purpose-led, award-winning brand that champions exceptional dining experiences and values creativity, collaboration and growth.
What’s next?
Ready to make your mark on the North's dining scene? We’d love to hear from you. Please submit your application, including your CV and a brief cover letter, via the Apply Now link. In your cover letter, let us know what excites you about this opportunity and how your experience sets you up for success. We’ll be reviewing and progressing applications as they come in, so don’t wait to submit your application.
Things to keep in mind:
- Applicants must already be based in or close by to one of the larger cities in northern England or Scotland to be considered for this role
- Applicants for this position must have pre-existing rights to work in United Kingdom
Northern UK BDM - Regional Lead in Glasgow employer: the Opportunity
First Table is an exceptional employer that champions a flexible, remote-first work culture while fostering a strong sense of team collaboration and support. With a focus on personal growth and development, employees enjoy competitive compensation, autonomy in their roles, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the vibrant hospitality sector across Northern UK. The company values creativity and celebrates shared successes, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to thrive in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Northern UK BDM - Regional Lead in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research First Table's values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with restaurant owners and other professionals in the hospitality sector. Building relationships can open doors and give you an edge in landing that BDM role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your coaching skills! Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored others in the past. Highlighting your leadership experience will resonate well with the team-oriented culture at First Table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you note. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar as they make decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Northern UK BDM - Regional Lead in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for the hospitality industry shine through. Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for building relationships with restaurant partners and how you can contribute to First Table's mission.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in business development and leadership, and connect your skills to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Be Authentic and Personal:We want to get to know the real you! Use your cover letter to share what excites you about this opportunity and how your unique background makes you a great fit for our team. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at the Opportunity
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into First Table's mission and values. Understand their growth strategy in the UK and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your background to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully led or coached others in the past. Highlight specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in a sales or hospitality context.
✨Be Ready to Network
As you'll be representing First Table at industry events, think about your networking strategies. Prepare to discuss how you would approach building relationships with restaurant partners and what tactics you’d use to strengthen First Table’s presence in the North.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the challenges the team faces in the Northern region or how success is measured for this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture fits you.
