At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business and build lasting customer relationships in London and Inner M25.
- Company: A thriving supplier of premium food and gifting products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, company car, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in a growing market.
- Qualifications: Sales experience, strong communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you a driven sales professional who thrives on winning new business and building lasting customer relationships? You will be working for a successful and growing supplier of premium food, confectionery, and gifting products, supplying a wide range of retail and foodservice customers across the UK. Because of continued expansion, the company is seeking an ambitious Business Development Executive to drive growth across London and the Inner M25 territory. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded, self‑motivated individual who enjoys developing new business, managing customer relationships, and working autonomously within a high‑potential territory.
Covering London and the Inner M25 region, you will be responsible for identifying and securing new business opportunities while also developing an existing customer base. Target customers include independent retailers, gift shops, convenience stores, delicatessens and speciality food retailers, garden centres, visitor attractions and tourist destinations, travel and transport retail outlets, and foodservice operators. The role is heavily focused on business development, with approximately 80% of your time dedicated to generating new opportunities and 20% focused on account management and customer retention.
Key Responsibilities- Identify, prospect, and secure new business opportunities across the territory
- Build and maintain strong relationships with both prospective and existing customers
- Manage and develop your own customer portfolio
- Plan and organise customer visits and appointments effectively
- Present new product launches, seasonal ranges, and promotional opportunities
- Negotiate commercial agreements and maximize sales opportunities
- Maintain accurate customer records and pipeline activity using CRM systems
- Monitor competitor activity and identify market trends and opportunities
- Collaborate with internal sales, marketing, and customer service teams
- Attend trade shows, exhibitions, and customer events when required
- Deliver sales growth in line with agreed targets and objectives
We are looking for a highly motivated and results‑driven sales professional who can demonstrate:
- Previous experience in field sales, business development, or account management
- A proven track record of winning and developing new business
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
- Excellent organisational and time‑management abilities
- Commercial awareness and a customer‑focused approach
- The ability to work independently and manage a busy territory
- Experience using CRM systems and managing a sales pipeline
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications
- A full UK driving licence
Experience selling into retail, foodservice, gift, convenience, garden centre, visitor attraction, or speciality food sectors would be highly advantageous, although not essential.
What's on Offer- Competitive basic salary
- Uncapped commission and bonus opportunities
- Company car
- Staff discount scheme
- 22 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Christmas shutdown period
- Employer pension contribution
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
Business Development Executive employer: Zest Recruitment
Join a dynamic and expanding supplier of premium food and gifting products, where your role as a Business Development Executive will be pivotal in driving growth across London and the Inner M25. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from ongoing training, a competitive salary with uncapped commission, and a supportive work culture that values autonomy and innovation. Enjoy a range of perks including a company car, generous holiday allowance, and a Christmas shutdown, making this an excellent opportunity for ambitious sales professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive
✨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 Executive at Zest Recruitment, 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 Zest Recruitment. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development Executive. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive
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 Zest Recruitment:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Zest Recruitment. 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 Zest Recruitment
✨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 Zest Recruitment 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 Zest Recruitment 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 Zest Recruitment’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.
