At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive brand growth in luxury hospitality by managing accounts and winning new business.
- Company: Rapidly scaling business with a standout product range and strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Field-based role with flexibility for events and tastings across the South East.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the exciting HORECA sector.
- Qualifications: B2B sales experience in hospitality or foodservice and excellent relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 41850 - 51150 £ per year.
This business is scaling rapidly across the hospitality and foodservice sector, with a standout product range and an exceptional reputation among high-end venues. As they continue their ambitious growth, they’re now looking for 2 Business Development Managers to cover a South East territory and central London.
About the Role:
Working within the HORECA (hotels, restaurants, cafés) and luxury hospitality space, this is a field-based role focused on growing brand presence, placing premium products, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. This role is an even split of new business and existing account management (50/50), ideal for someone who thrives on building new relationships while nurturing long-term partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage your own patch across the South East OR Central London, visiting a mix of new and existing HORECA accounts
- Target and win new business across luxury hotels, restaurants, cafés, and hospitality venues
- Conduct tastings, demos, and training sessions to bring the brand to life at site level
- Build and manage a pipeline of opportunities through cold outreach, networking, and referrals
- Drive visibility and product placement, ensuring the brand stands out in every location
- Be an expert advisor to your clients – understanding their needs and delivering tailored solutions
- Maintain 6–8 impactful sales appointments per day across your region
- Flexibility is key – events, tastings, and occasional evenings or weekends may be required
What You Bring:
- Proven B2B sales experience, within the hospitality OR foodservice
- Strong hunter mindset with a passion for new business and an eye for spotting opportunities
- Experience owning your own sales diary
- Excellent relationship-building skills – you’re confident engaging venue managers, chefs, and F&B leads
- A passion for high-quality products and delivering exceptional customer experiences
- A consultative, organised and professional approach to sales
- A valid UK driving licence and the ability to travel across the South East
Business Development Manager - HORECA employer: Vertical Advantage
Join a prestigious company with over 150 years of heritage, where you can lead a motivated customer service team dedicated to delivering excellence for world-renowned wine and spirits brands. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying competitive benefits in the vibrant city of London. Experience a unique blend of tradition and modern operational excellence as you develop your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - HORECA
✨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 - HORECA at Vertical Advantage, 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 Vertical Advantage. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development Manager - HORECA. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - HORECA
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 Vertical Advantage:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Vertical Advantage. 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 Vertical Advantage
✨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 Vertical Advantage 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 Vertical Advantage 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 Vertical Advantage’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.
