Business Development Manager - Education & Catering Sector

HCL; Welwyn Hatfield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth in the education sector across London and the South of England. This pivotal role involves developing new business opportunities, managing tenders, and enhancing customer retention. The ideal candidate will possess strong sales acumen, a passion for children's nutrition, and proven experience in food service sales. This role offers a competitive salary and a mission-driven environment focused on making a positive impact on children's wellbeing.

Benefits

Performance bonus scheme

Car allowance

Company pension contribution

Free on-site parking

Private medical insurance

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven experience in food service sales and tender-driven business development.
• Dynamic commercial professional passionate about children's nutrition and wellbeing.
• Results-oriented with strong financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial strategy and growth initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of new business opportunities.
• Lead tender responses and build relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Commercial strategy development

Food service sales

Networking

CRM proficiency

Communication skills

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Business Development Manager - Education & Catering Sector

HCL is a leading contract caterer specialising in high-quality, nutritious meals for children and staff across primary, secondary, and commercial sites. We're passionate about making food a positive part of every child's educational journey.

We're seeking a commercially astute and passionate Business Development Manager to spearhead our growth strategy across London and the South of England, whilst enhancing customer retention in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. This is a pivotal role where you'll expand our market presence, develop compelling tender submissions, and represent HCL at key industry events.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Strategy & Growth
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of new business opportunities
• Drive customer retention through strategic referrals, CRM optimisation, and targeted networking
• Elevate brand awareness and position HCL as the partner of choice for potential clients
• Manage budgets and allocate resources in alignment with our sales strategy

• Menu Development & Marketing Collaboration
• Partner with our Executive Chef and Marketing team to craft innovative menu offerings and promotional campaigns
• Design engaging themed food days and diverse cuisine concepts that inspire students
• Champion best-in-class nutritional standards across all age groups

• Tender Management & Stakeholder Relations
• Lead comprehensive tender responses with compelling presentations and competitive financial packages
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including school leadership, parents, and consultants
• Ensure all tender submissions exceed expectations and are delivered on schedule

• Presentations & Industry Representation
• Deliver persuasive sales presentations and serve as HCL's ambassador at industry events
• Represent our brand values and demonstrate our unique value proposition to prospective and existing partners

• Deal Closure & Analysis
• Collaborate with the Head of Sales & Growth to create winning proposals
• Analyse market feedback to continuously refine our offerings and improve success rates
• Partner with Operations to secure renewals of key expiring contracts

What We're Looking For

• A dynamic commercial professional with genuine passion for children's nutrition and wellbeing
• Demonstrable experience in food service sales and tender-driven business development
• Results-orientated mindset with strong 'hunter' instincts and robust financial acumen
• Confident presenter with exceptional communication and networking capabilities
• Proficiency in CRM systems, MS Office suite, and tender management processes
• Highly organised self-starter capable of meeting demanding deadlines independently

Why Choose HCL?

• Competitive salary package with performance-based rewards
• Mission-driven environment where you'll directly impact children's wellbeing
• Values-led organisation committed to quality, sustainability, and positive impact
• Strategic growth role offering significant career development opportunities

Our Commitment

HCL champions diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

All team members are expected to prioritise health and safety for themselves and their colleagues.

Benefits Package

• Performance bonus scheme
• Car allowance
• Company pension contribution
• Free on-site parking
• Comprehensive health & wellbeing programme
• Private medical insurance
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Ready to make a difference in children's lives whilst driving commercial success?

If you have the skills and experience to be our next Business Development Manager, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team that's transforming school food experiences across the region.