Business Development Manager

UNITED WHOLESALE GROCERS LTD; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

UNITED WHOLESALE GROCERS LTD. is seeking a Business Development Manager - Depot in Gateshead to build strong commercial relationships with independent retailers, implement joint business plans, and ensure store standards are maintained and improved.

The role involves traveling to stores, developing opportunities for loyalty, and recruiting retailers for cash & carry hubs and fascia brands. Experience in retail is preferred, CAD knowledge is advantageous, and a UK driving license is required.

Qualifications

• Retail experience strongly preferred with ability to relate to independent retailers.
• CAD knowledge in a retail environment preferred; training provided.
• Candidate will recruit retailers within defined territory for cash & carry hubs and fascia brands.

Responsibilities

• Develop and build strong commercial relationships with independent retail owners.
• Implement joint business plans and improve store standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve retailer loyalty and achieve sales targets.
• Work with trading team and suppliers to implement promotional activity.
• Spend time in-store managing partnerships and delivering projects to deadlines.

Skills

Customer focused

Interpersonal skills

Planning & organizational skills

Tools

CAD

Job description

Job Details

Job title: Business Development Manager - Depot: United Gateshead - Reporting to: General Manager

Salary: Competitive

Who We Are

The company has over 200 employees with a turnover in excess of £220 million. We have 3 have branches, 2 in Glasgow and 1 at Gateshead in the North East of England, with a further depot planned to open late 2026 in Greater Manchester. We are primarily a Cash & Carry Wholesale business with a wide product portfolio consisting of Beers, Wines, Spirits, Soft Drinks, Confectionary, Crisps and Snacks, Household and Grocery.

Key Tasks / Responsibilities

Are you a dynamic, self-motivated individual with the ability to inspire our customers and your colleagues?

As a Business Development Manager, your role will involve developing and building strong commercial relationships with our estate of independent retail owners, helping them to thrive and prosper in the competitive convenience retail sector. Implement mutually agreed joint business plans, ensure all aspects of store standards are maintained and continuously improved. Identify opportunities to improve retailer loyalty and achieve agreed sales targets. Recruitment of new retailers within a defined territory for our cash and carry hubs and also our facia brands Shop Local, Shop Local Express and Shopsmart.

A strong retail background and proficient in Computer Aided Design (CAD) within a retail environment would be preferred although training will be provided.

Working with our trading team and also key suppliers to implement promotional activity within your estate.

A large proportion of your time will be spent in store with your retail partners so the ability to manage your time effectively and deliver projects to tight deadlines are a key pillar of the role.

This role requires the successful candidate to hold a full UK driving licence.

Qualities We Look For

• Integrity
• Interpersonal Skills
• Logical Reasoning / Problem Solving
• Customer Focused
• Accountability
• Planning & Organizational Skills