Business Development Executive

Zing Careers; Leeds; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Car + Fuel Card

Job summary

Zing Careers in Leeds is seeking a Business Development Executive to drive growth in the designated territory. You will build a robust pipeline, secure meetings with decision makers in hospitality and foodservice, and convert prospects into loyal customers while coordinating with branch teams to align with regional growth priorities.

The role requires strong communications, excellent time management, and a proactive, self-motivated approach.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, foodservice, wholesale or FMCG.
• Strong communications skills.
• Excellent time management and territory planning ability.
• Be self-motivated and results-driven.
• Full UK Driving Licence (no more than 6 points and no previous bans).

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a strong territory pipeline by proactively identifying and opening new opportunities.
• Secure meetings with key decision makers across hospitality and foodservice outlets.
• Convert prospects into active customers and support a smooth handover.
• Prioritise outlet clusters using insight, plan visits and follow-ups with discipline, and share useful local market intelligence.
• Work closely with our client’s branch teams to create warm referrals, build local pull and support regional growth priorities.
• Understand the challenges and opportunities faced by hospitality and catering operators.

Skills

Hospitality/foodservice/FMCG exposure

Strong communication

Territory planning

Self-motivated

UK driving licence

Job description

Job Title: Business Development Executive

Location / Region: Leeds and the surrounding areas

Contract Type: Fixed Term, Full Time - Fixed Term 13th October 2026 until 8th February 2027 with a great chance to lead to a permanent opportunity.

Grade 3

Other Benefits: Company Car + Fuel Card

Are you a current Grade 3 Territory Manager looking for an opportunity to widen your experience, network and exposure to new clients, categories and/or channels?

Have you considered a secondment? If so, this could be what you are looking for! Putting yourself out of your comfort zone can be daunting, however we highly encourage you to consider this opportunity and to speak to your line manager in the first instance.

The Role at a Glance

As a Business Development Executive, you will be the field-based growth engine for your assigned territory. Your role will be to create new opportunities, build a qualified pipeline, win target outlets and work collaboratively with our client to ensure retention of the customer. We will work together to identify sales opportunities and build strong customer relationships and support across foodservice businesses. Success in this role will be measured through pipeline value, outlet conversion and revenue growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Business Development Executive, you’ll manage your own territory, working closely with the Regional Manager and a friendly, supportive field team.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Build and manage a strong territory pipeline by proactively identifying and opening new opportunities.
• Secure meetings with key decision makers across hospitality and foodservice outlets.
• Convert prospects into active customers and support a smooth handover.
• Prioritise outlet clusters using insight, plan visits and follow-ups with discipline, and share useful local market intelligence.
• Work closely with our client’s branch teams to create warm referrals, build local pull and support regional growth priorities.
• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by hospitality and catering operators.

What We’re Looking For

We are ideally looking for a candidate who has the following skills and experience, but if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply - you might be just the right person for our team.

You’ll need:

• Experience working in hospitality, foodservice, wholesale or FMCG
• Strong communications skills
• Excellent time management and territory planning ability
• Be self-motivated and results-driven
• A full UK Driving License (no more than 6 points and no previous bans)

Nice to Have

• Strong knowledge of meat, wine and cleaning product categories
• Direct selling skills

If you’re looking for more information on the role, contact our recruitment team on [e-mail] referencing the job title and ID number, and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Feel empowered to be your best and authentic self in a safe and supportive working environment. Our colleagues come from a variety of backgrounds, education, experience levels, age groups, religions and ethnicities. We’re committed to inclusive and blind recruitment practices, providing forward thinking policies e.g. transgender and Ramadan polices, and celebrating diversity through engagement sessions for key events e.g. Pride, International Women’s Day and Black History Month.

Discover What It’s Like to Work with Us

A place where you can be yourself and grow. Our aim is simple - to create a workplace that allows you to be your authentic self, in an environment that supports your wellbeing and development. Build a career that works alongside your lifestyle, allowing you to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Learn more about our culture and what it’s like to be a member of our team: Join an award-winning sales and marketing team.

Read more about our commitment to our colleagues here.