Business Development Manager

Cottrell Moore Ltd; Wherstead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing business in the leisure sector is seeking an ambitious Business Development Manager to expand its European retailer and distributor network, focusing on DACH and France. The role involves identifying new partners for leisure products and requires fluency in either German or French, along with strong English skills. The ideal candidate will have proven B2B sales experience, strong negotiation skills, and a willingness to travel across Europe. A valid UK Drivers License is mandatory. The position offers an uncapped performance bonus and additional benefits.

Benefits

Uncapped performance bonus

Holiday Boost (up to 5 extra days)

Pension scheme

Group Income Protection Scheme

Ongoing training & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Fluency in German or French is essential.
• Proven B2B sales and business development experience is required.
• Valid UK Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Secure new retailers and distributors across Europe, focusing on DACH.
• Drive new business revenue through tailored strategies.
• Conduct targeted outbound activity using native-level language skills.
• Plan and deliver European exhibition activity.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity.
• Qualify and manage new business opportunities.

Skills

Fluency in German

Fluency in French

Strong English skills

Strong negotiation skills

Relationship-building skills

Job description

Business Development Manager

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.
• Valid UK Drivers License
• 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