Business Development Manager

Cottrell Moore Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic European distributor is seeking an ambitious Business Development Manager to grow its retailer and distributor network in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. This role requires fluency in either German or French, along with strong English skills. Responsibilities include securing new partners for their leisure products and planning European exhibitions. The position offers an uncapped performance bonus and opportunities for ongoing training and development.

Benefits

Uncapped performance bonus

Holiday Boost: Earn an additional day of holiday each year

Pension scheme

Group Income Protection Scheme

Ongoing training & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven B2B sales and business development experience, ideally involving account acquisition.
• Ability to work proactively and independently, with a hunter mentality for new business.
• Experience within the leisure, camping, caravan, or automotive sectors is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Secure new retailers and distributors across Europe, focusing on DACH and France.
• Drive new business revenue by developing tailored strategies for each account.
• Conduct targeted outbound activity to build strong commercial relationships.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver European exhibition activity.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity.
• Qualify and follow up on new business opportunities.

Skills

Fluency in German

Fluency in French

Strong English skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship-building skills

Job description

Business Development Manager Europe

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Salary: OTE £70 £80k (uncapped performance bonus)

Shifts: Monday Friday, with regular European travel

About the Role

We re looking for an ambitious Business Development Manager to help grow this businesses European retailer and distributor network, with a key focus on Germany, Austria, Switzerland (DACH) and France.

You ll identify and secure new partners for our leisure product range, including OPUS campers, smart tents, Quattro caravan movers, and FullStop security products.

Because this role involves regular communication and commercial negotiation across Europe, we require someone who is fluent in either German or French, along with strong English skills.

You will also lead the planning and delivery of their European exhibitions, playing a key role in demonstrating products, meeting potential partners, and generating new business opportunities.

Benefits

• Uncapped performance bonus
• Holiday Boost: Earn an additional day of holiday each year (up to 5 extra days)
• Pension scheme
• Group Income Protection Scheme (after 6 months)
• Ongoing training & development opportunities

Responsibilities

• New Account Acquisition: Secure new retailers and distributors across Europe, with a focus on the DACH region and France.
• Sales Growth: Drive new business revenue by developing tailored strategies for each account and product category.
• Prospecting & Outreach: Conduct targeted outbound activity using native-level language skills to build strong commercial relationships.
• Exhibition Leadership: Plan, prepare, and deliver European exhibition activity including logistics, onsite representation, product demonstrations, and lead capture.
• Market Development: Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing to support strategic expansion in each territory.
• Lead Management: Qualify, prioritise, and follow up on new business opportunities, ensuring accurate CRM updates and strong pipeline visibility.
• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with the Account Manager for new partner handovers and coordinate with marketing and leadership teams on campaigns and strategy.

Requirements

• Fluency in German or French (essential), plus strong English skills.
• Proven B2B sales and business development experience, ideally involving account acquisition.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work proactively and independently, with a hunter mentality for new business.
• Comfortable demonstrating technical or mechanical products.
• Experience within the leisure, camping, caravan, or automotive sectors is beneficial but not essential.
• Willingness to travel regularly across Europe, including major exhibitions