Business Development Manager in Blagdon

So, what will I be doing?

At Yeo Valley, we're more than just an organic dairy company – we're a community rooted in the land, committed to sustainability, and passionate about producing quality food that nurtures people and planet.

In this position you will drive sustainable growth across our education and healthcare channels by championing our purpose and bringing our brands to life where it matters most.

This role is responsible for building strong, lasting relationships with Local Education Authorities (LEAs), Universities, Colleges, NHS Trusts, Private Hospitals and Care Homes, understanding their needs, and translating these into meaningful commercial opportunities. You will also represent Yeo Valley at relevant industry conferences and networking events (e.g., TUCO, NHS procurement events) to raise brand awareness and gain market insights.

Working collaboratively with Brand Managers (Yeo Valley Organic, The Collective Dairy, Ubley and Tideford) and our Out of Home National Account Managers, you will help shape and execute compelling customer and brand plans that resonate in these sectors, while partnering with the Trade Marketing Manager to deliver standout activation that inspires and engages.

Success in this role comes from building trusted relationships at the end customer at every level, from strategic decision-makers to frontline teams, and from being highly self-driven, proactive, and resilient.

You will act as an ambassador for our values, ensuring everything you do reflects our commitment to quality, care, and impact making a real difference in the communities we serve.

This really is a role where the value will be gained from being out in the field meeting the LEAs and NHS Trusts face to face nationally.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver a clear growth strategy across education and healthcare channels
• Build and maintain strong relationships with LEAs and NHS Trusts
• Identify and convert new business opportunities to drive revenue growth
• Collaborate with Brand Managers to shape and execute effective brand plans
• Partner with the Trade Marketing Manager to deliver impactful activation
• Work with NAMs to align key customers such as Brakes and Bidfood on end customer engagement plans
• Manage key relationships with end customers and stakeholders, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and retention
• Be the face of Yeo Valley at relevant industry events
• Build relationships at all levels, from decision makers to site level teams
• Work with Category team to monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity
• Deliver against sales targets, KPIs, and business objectives
• Act as a passionate ambassador for our purpose, demonstrating a self-driven and proactive approach
• Manage a CRM system to accurately track new business opportunities, providing regular sales forecasts to senior management

Essential Requirements:

• Proven experience in business development or account management, within foodservice, FMCG, and the education /healthcare sectors
• Strong track record of delivering commercial growth and hitting sales targets
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with contract caterers and key stakeholders
• Experience working cross-functionally with marketing or brand teams to deliver plans and activation
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills at all levels
• Highly self-motivated, proactive, and results-driven, with strong organisational and planning abilities

Why should I join the family?

We’re independent, British and proud to be making the highest quality yogurts, desserts and ice cream under the Yeo Valley brand and for many of the UK’s major retailers. Operating from four dairies and two logistics centres in Somerset and Devon, we employ over 1900 staff and produce more than 25% of the UK’s packaged yogurt.

We’re sure you don’t need convincing, but there’s a whole host of benefits that we offer. It goes without saying that you'll have access to free parking. You'll also receive the following:

• Competitive holiday allowance
• non-contributory pension scheme
• life cover
• healthcare cash back plan
• cycle to work scheme
• subsidised Yeo Valley products and services
• preferential rates with our partners
• learning and development opportunities; we’re committed to ensuring all of our employees have the chance to grow