At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth and build relationships in the independent meat processing sector.
- Company: Established UK food ingredients business with a focus on quality and relationships.
- Benefits: Ownership of your territory, strong support, and opportunities for long-term development.
- Other info: Regular travel required; full UK driving licence needed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected industry while enjoying field-based work.
- Qualifications: Experience in field sales or business development, ideally in food or FMCG.
Field-based Business Development role across the South of the UK. Own your territory, build real relationships and grow sales in food ingredients. We are working with a well-established UK food ingredients business supplying the independent meat processing sector to appoint a Business Development Executive covering the South of England. This is a hands-on, field-led role offering the opportunity to build and grow a high-potential customer base within a traditional, relationship-driven market.
The Opportunity
You will take ownership of sales growth across the South UK, working closely with independent butchers, farm shops and rural meat producers to introduce and embed a specialist range of seasonings, coatings and mixes. This role suits someone who enjoys being out in the field, building long-term relationships and having clear ownership of their territory and results.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive new business acquisition across the independent meat processing sector
- Build and develop long-term customer relationships through regular visits
- Present and demonstrate products, including sampling and usage guidance
- Convert prospects into active, loyal accounts
- Grow existing accounts through upselling and seasonal product ranges
- Represent the business at customer meetings, trade shows and events
About You
We are interested in speaking with people who:
- Have experience in field sales or business development, ideally within food, ingredients or FMCG
- Bring a strong commercial and relationship-led mindset
- Enjoy new business as much as account development
- Are comfortable working independently in a field-based role
- Hold a full UK driving licence and are happy with regular regional travel
Why This Role?
- Clear ownership of a defined South UK territory
- Opportunity to build something meaningful within a respected food business
- Strong support from internal sales, technical and marketing teams
- Long-term development and progression as the business continues to grow
Eligibility: UK driving licence required, GCSE: Maths and English. If you have experience selling into independent food businesses or similar sectors, I would welcome a confidential discussion. Ready to take the next step? Send your CV to our People Consultant, Lisa Fox, quoting ref PR/(phone number removed) and have a chat about your future. Applicants must be based in the UK with full working rights.
Business Development Executive (South UK) employer: The People Co
The People Co is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, empowering employees to take ownership of their projects and drive meaningful change. With a focus on personal growth and development, team members are encouraged to innovate and contribute to local marketing strategies that directly impact customer engagement. Located in a vibrant retail environment, this role offers unique opportunities to connect with diverse communities and make a tangible difference in business performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive (South UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meet-ups. Building relationships in person can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Be proactive! Reach out to potential clients directly and introduce yourself. A friendly email or a quick phone call can open doors.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When meeting with prospects, share insights about the food ingredients market and how your products can benefit their business. This builds trust and positions you as a valuable partner.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, keep track of your interactions. Use a CRM tool or even a simple spreadsheet to log your visits and follow-ups. This will help you stay organised and ensure no opportunity slips through the cracks.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive (South UK)
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, especially within food or FMCG, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and drive sales.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Mention specific experiences where you've successfully developed customer relationships or driven new business.
Showcase Your Relationship Skills:Since this role is all about building long-term relationships, make sure to include examples of how you've done this in the past. Whether it's through regular visits or effective communication, we want to see how you connect with clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures your details are in the right hands. Plus, it shows you're keen on 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 South UK territory you'll be covering. Familiarise yourself with the independent butchers, farm shops, and rural meat producers in the area. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and genuinely interested in building relationships within the local market.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Since this role is all about building long-term relationships, prepare examples of how you've successfully developed customer connections in the past. Think about specific instances where your relationship-building skills led to increased sales or customer loyalty, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Product Knowledge
Brush up on the types of food ingredients, seasonings, and coatings relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would present and demonstrate these products to potential clients. Showing that you understand the products and their applications will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Emphasise Your Independent Work Style
This position requires someone who can work independently in a field-based role. Highlight your experience in managing your own schedule, driving new business, and achieving targets without constant supervision. Share examples of how you've successfully taken ownership of your work in previous roles.