Business Development Manager

BrightSide Executive Search; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightSide Executive Search in Canberra is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive growth across a premium drinks portfolio in both on-premise and off-premise channels. You will build strong relationships with bars, venues and retailers, expand listings, and deliver compelling product activations.

You will manage an established territory, identify new opportunities, and work with customers to maximise brand visibility and commercial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in drinks industry sales and relationship development.
• Commercially minded with ability to identify opportunities and drive sales outcomes.
• Confident communication and presentation skills for diverse customers.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Highly organized with excellent time management and territory planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop an established portfolio of on and off premise customers, building long-term relationships.
• Identify and secure new accounts, driving distribution and expanding brand presence.
• Develop and manage a territory and customer call cycle based on potential.
• Drive monthly sales targets and portfolio performance.
• Present new products and secure additional listings and placements.
• Collaborate with retailers and venues to optimize pricing, promotions and merchandising.
• Execute brand activations and marketing initiatives across key venues.
• Deliver staff training and brand education to build product knowledge.
• Identify merchandising opportunities to maximise visibility across venues.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Maintain accurate customer records and territory plans via CRM and reporting.

Skills

Drinks industry sales

New account development

Territory planning

Negotiation

Communication & presentations

Relationship building

Time management

Autonomy

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

An exciting opportunity to join a well-established and highly regarded player in the Australian drinks industry, representing a portfolio of premium brands across the on and off premise channel. With a strong focus on building brand presence, developing customer partnerships and driving commercial growth, this business is looking for a passionate and commercially minded individual to take ownership of an established territory and make a genuine impact in market.

As Business Development Manager, you'll be responsible for developing existing customer relationships while identifying new opportunities to grow distribution, increase sales and strengthen brand visibility across some of the area's leading bars, venues and retailers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop an established portfolio of on and off premise customers, building strong, long-term relationships and identifying opportunities to grow business.
• Proactively identify and secure new accounts, driving distribution and expanding the presence of the brand portfolio across the territory.
• Develop and manage an effective territory and customer call cycle, prioritising accounts based on sales potential and opportunity.
• Drive monthly sales targets, distribution objectives and overall portfolio performance.
• Present new products and secure additional listings, menu placements and ranging opportunities.
• Work closely with retailers and venue managers to identify commercial opportunities through pricing, promotional programs, additional product placements and merchandising.
• Execute brand activations, promotions and marketing initiatives across key venues.
• Deliver engaging product presentations, staff training and brand education to build advocacy and product knowledge.
• Identify merchandising and display opportunities to maximise brand visibility across bars, fridges and venues.
• Monitor competitor activity, market trends and customer insights to identify opportunities for growth.
• Maintain accurate customer records, territory plans and sales activity through CRM and internal reporting tools.

What We're Looking For

• An experienced sales drinks industry professional currently in a similar position and ready for a new challenge.
• A strong understanding of local on-premise operations, with an established network of relevant industry contacts.
• A genuine passion for the drinks industry and the brands within it.
• Commercially minded, with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, influence customers and drive sales outcomes.
• Confident communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with a diverse range of customers.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organised, with excellent time management and the ability to plan and manage a busy territory.
• Proactive, resilient and solutions-focused, with a genuine can-do attitude.
• Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of sales targets and business objectives.
• Good analytical skills and confidence using CRM systems and Microsoft Office.

What's Great About This Role?

An opportunity to turn your passion for the drinks industry and sales experience into a rewarding commercial career. You'll represent an exciting portfolio of brands, build relationships with some of the best venues in the market and have the autonomy to make a real difference to business performance. If you're a natural relationship builder who loves being out in the trade, spotting opportunities and making things happen, we'd love to hear from you!