Business Development Manager

Octagon Group; Penshaw; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in business development is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive growth in the UK market. This field-based role focuses on developing existing client relationships and securing new business opportunities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a sales or business development function, with strong communication and relationship-building skills. The position requires frequent travel across the UK and offers a dynamic working environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in the AFH market is highly desirable.
• Candidates from the hygiene, soap manufacturing, and/or paper manufacturing backgrounds preferred.
• Comfortable working independently in a field-based role.

Responsibilities

• Grow and develop an existing client portfolio.
• Identify and generate new business leads.
• Secure and attend business meetings.
• Achieve agreed sales budgets and revenue targets.
• Carry out regular customer visits.

Skills

Proven experience in a Business Development or Sales role

Excellent communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Problem-solving attitude

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to drive growth across the UK market. This role will focus on developing existing client relationships while identifying and securing new business opportunities within targeted sectors.

Reporting to the Head of Sales and Marketing, you will act as the main point of contact between customers and the business, translating market needs into commercial opportunities aligned with wider business strategy. This is a highly field-based role and requires a strong presence “on the road”.

Key Responsibilities – Business Development Manager – UK

• Grow and develop an existing client portfolio by fully understanding customers’ business strategies and objectives
• Identify and generate new business leads within targeted market segments
• Secure and attend business meetings, ensuring timely follow-up and conversion
• Develop new business opportunities, including new products, in line with agreed annual targets
• Achieve agreed sales budgets and revenue targets
• Maintain appropriate gross profit margins across the customer portfolio
• Manage a shared sales office portfolio of customers
• Carry out regular customer visits and build long-term, trusted relationships

About You – Business Development Manager – UK

• Proven experience in a Business Development or Sales role
• Knowledge of the AFH market is highly desirable
• Candidates from the hygiene industry, soap manufacturing and/or paper manufacturing backgrounds will be given strong consideration
• An empathetic, enthusiastic and proactive individual with a strong problem-solving attitude
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Comfortable working independently in a field-based role

The Role – Business Development Manager – UK

• Full-time, field-based position with visit to the office ( Brighton)
• High level of customer visits, typically 3–4 days per week
• UK-based travel with occasional overseas travel