Business Development Manager

The People Co.; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional recruitment agency is seeking a Business Development Manager in the United Kingdom. This role involves leading the sales process, identifying new business opportunities, and managing key accounts within the premium B2B sector. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in business development, strong negotiation skills, and a background in the food or private-label industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a business development or sales role.
• Proven track record of securing and managing high-value accounts.
• Experience in premium B2B sales, ideally within the food, drink, or private-label sector.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify new markets and customers to generate business opportunities.
• Lead the entire sales process from prospecting to contract completion.
• Conduct market analysis to identify untapped opportunities.
• Develop and nurture long-term relationships with key accounts.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Job description

Our client, a respected and established business going through an exciting period of expansion, is searching for an energetic and commercially driven Business Development Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated, hands-on individual to take ownership of identifying and developing new business opportunities aligned with the company’s growth strategy.

Job Role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for identifying, targeting, and securing new business opportunities, managing the full sales cycle from concept through to launch, and building strong, sustainable client relationships. This is a key role in driving the long-term success of a growing commercial division.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify new markets, trends, and customers to generate new business opportunities.
• Lead the entire sales process from prospecting, proposal development, and negotiation through to contract completion.
• Conduct detailed market and competitor analysis to identify untapped opportunities and position the company’s white-label offering effectively.
• Produce accurate sales forecasts and manage the sales pipeline to meet financial targets.
• Generate leads through cold calling, networking, and participation at trade shows and industry events.
• Take full project management ownership of the concept-to-launch process, working cross-functionally with NPD, Operations, and Supply Chain teams.
• Align commercial initiatives with product development and operational capabilities.
• Analyse sales performance and provide data-driven insights to senior management.
• Develop and nurture long-term relationships with key accounts and prospective clients.
• Prepare and deliver compelling client presentations and proposals.
• Maintain awareness of competitor activities, market movements, and emerging trends.
• Meet and exceed KPIs related to business acquisition, growth, and retention.

Personal Profile

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a business development or sales role, with a proven track record of securing and managing high-value accounts.
• Experience within premium B2B sales — ideally within the food, drink, or private-label sector.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and influencing skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Proactive, results-driven, and confident with exceptional problem-solving and organisational abilities.
• Experienced in managing complex projects and multiple priorities to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a professional and approachable manner.
• Strong computer literacy, attention to detail, and analytical capability.
• Full, clean driving licence and eligibility to work in the UK. Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach, and a passion for driving business growth.