Business Development Executive
Business Development Executive

Business Development Executive

Full-Time 30000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The People Co

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Own your territory, build relationships, and grow sales in the independent food sector.
  • Company: Established UK food ingredients business with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy, and long-term progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Ideal for those who thrive on independence and managing their own schedule.
  • Why this job: Enjoy fieldwork, relationship-building, and making a real impact in your region.
  • Qualifications: Experience in field sales or business development and a full UK driving licence.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.

Two field-based sales roles covering North East UK and South UK. Home-based with regional travel. £30,000–£35,000 + benefits.

Own your territory, build trusted customer relationships and grow sales in the independent food sector. We’re recruiting two Business Development Executives, one covering the North East and one covering the South of the UK. This is a hands-on, field-based opportunity offering real autonomy, clear territory ownership and the chance to build long-term customer relationships.

The Opportunities

  • You will take ownership of sales growth across your own defined region, working directly with independent butchers, farm shops and rural producers.
  • This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being out in the field, balancing new business with account management and becoming a trusted face in a close-knit customer base.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and grow a defined regional sales territory.
  • Identify and convert new customers within the independent meat sector.
  • Build long-term relationships through regular customer visits.
  • Present, demonstrate and sample specialist ingredient products.
  • Grow existing accounts through upselling and seasonal ranges.
  • Act as a regional ambassador for the business.

About You

We are interested in speaking with people who:

  • Have experience in field sales or business development.
  • Enjoy relationship-led, regional customer bases.
  • Bring a commercial and organised approach to their territory.
  • Are comfortable working independently and managing their own diary.
  • Hold a full UK driving licence and are happy with regional travel.

Why This Role?

  • Clear ownership of your own patch.
  • Autonomy and trust in how you run your territory.
  • Strong product range with genuine customer demand.
  • Supportive culture with long-term progression opportunities.

Additional Info

  • Location: North East UK or South UK.
  • Salary: £30,000–£35,000.
  • Travel: Regional field-based travel.
  • Eligibility: Full UK driving licence and UK working rights required.

If you have experience selling into independent food businesses or a similar environment, I would be very interested in having a confidential conversation. Ready to take the next step? Send your CV to our People Consultant, Lisa Fox, and have a chat about your future. Applicants must be based in the UK with full working rights. Due to high application volumes, if you don’t hear from us within a week, unfortunately, your application hasn’t been successful this time.

Business Development Executive employer: The People Co

Join a well-established and growing UK food ingredients business that values autonomy and relationship-building in the independent food sector. With clear territory ownership, a supportive culture, and opportunities for long-term progression, this role offers a rewarding environment for those who thrive in field sales. Enjoy the flexibility of home-based work while making a meaningful impact in your region.
The People Co

Contact Detail:

The People Co Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive

✨Tip Number 1

Get out there and network! Attend industry events, trade shows, or local meet-ups related to food ingredients. It's a great way to meet potential clients and showcase your personality.

✨Tip Number 2

Leverage social media to connect with independent food businesses. Share relevant content, engage with their posts, and don’t be shy about reaching out directly to introduce yourself.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those face-to-face meetings by researching your prospects. Understand their needs and challenges so you can tailor your pitch and demonstrate how you can add value.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after meetings! A quick email thanking them for their time and reiterating key points can keep you top of mind and show your commitment to building that relationship.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive

Field Sales Experience
Business Development
Customer Relationship Management
Sales Growth Strategy
Account Management
Territory Management
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Product Demonstration
Upselling Techniques
Organisational Skills
Independent Working
Driving Licence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Development Executive. Highlight your experience in field sales and relationship-building, especially within the food sector. We want to see how you can own your territory and grow sales!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've built long-term customer relationships and managed your own territory effectively.

Showcase Your Passion: We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the food industry! Let your enthusiasm come through in your application. Talk about why you enjoy working with independent businesses and how you can contribute to our growth.

Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your CV and cover letter. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co

✨Know Your Territory

Before the interview, make sure you research the North East or South UK regions thoroughly. Understand the independent food sector in your area, including key players and market trends. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.

✨Build Rapport with Examples

Prepare to discuss your past experiences in field sales or business development. Use specific examples of how you've built relationships with customers and grown sales. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with clients and manage accounts effectively.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

Since this role requires managing your own diary and territory, be ready to talk about how you stay organised. Share tools or methods you use to keep track of customer visits and sales targets. This will highlight your commercial approach and independence.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company culture, support for new hires, or growth opportunities within the business. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.

Business Development Executive
The People Co

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