Business Development Manager - Food Service

The Newt in Somerset; Bruton; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established luxury brand is seeking a dynamic Food Service Business Development Manager to drive sales growth across multiple channels. This role offers the chance to establish a new sales channel for premium food products, working closely with production teams and leveraging industry contacts. The successful candidate will enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for personal and professional development. Join a rapidly expanding company that values innovation and sustainability, and make a real impact in the FMCG sector while enjoying fantastic benefits and a positive workplace culture.

Benefits

Company Car

Complimentary Gym Access

Spa Access with Discounts

30% Discount at Shops and Restaurants

Complimentary Meal on Shift

Employee Assistance Programme

Monthly Team Activities

Up to 30 Days Annual Leave

Colleague Recognition Programme

Qualifications

• Minimum four years of B2B sales experience in premium food or FMCG sector.
• Strong negotiation skills and a proven track record in commercial agreements.

Responsibilities

• Identify target customers and establish sales across multiple channels.
• Research and establish new relationships with direct and wholesaler accounts.

Skills

B2B Sales

Negotiation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Commercial Acumen

Presentation Skills

Organisational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree (minimum 2:1)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Food Service Business Development Manager

Up to £40,000 per annum plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits

Field - based, around Somerset, with on-site visits

Company Car

Our Food Service Business Development Manager

As part of the Product Team, our Food Service Business Development Manager will be responsible for building and managing our multi-channel B2B sales function. Working closely with our production team, they will drive sales growth across multiple channels, including wholesalers and direct partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to establish a new sales channel within a rapidly expanding premium food brand. The successful candidate will be a commercially driven self-starter, tasked with launching and scaling sales of our chilled food ranges. They will identify target customers, determine the best routes to market, and secure new business opportunities.

Joining one of the UK’s fastest-growing luxury brands, this role offers the chance to shape the future of our business within the FMCG sector. The Business Development Manager will be supported by a state-of-the-art production facility, expert product developers, and an in-house technical team.

Reporting directly to the Head of Product, with a dotted line to the Head of Production, this role is ideal for someone eager to make a real impact in a dynamic and growing business.

Key Responsibilities

• Identifying target customers and establishing sales across multiple channels with our portfolio of chilled, frozen and bakery products with a focus on exceptional customer service.
• Researching and establishing new relationships with both direct and wholesaler accounts to drive sales efficiencies and bulk orders that will not only drive sales but elevate customer perception of The Newt brand.
• Understanding the competition and new product innovations, regular product, packaging and price benchmarking, ensuring pricing is aligned with market expectations and that profitable margins are delivered. Identifying new ranging opportunities while supporting the launch of exciting NPD.
• Promotional planning with the ability to lead end-user distribution initiatives, including promotional planning, in-store activations, and sampling events.
• P&L responsibilities, ensuring commercially smart decisions that maximize ROI.
• Representing the brand at key trade shows and industry events, driving brand awareness.
• Providing the Production & Procurement Teams with seasonal forecasts by channel.
• Analysing performance data and translating insights into actionable growth strategies, ensuring that supplier information is regularly checked and kept up to date.
• Working with the marketing team to build excitement around produce and offering ideas, product information and promotions to deliver the sales plan.
• Coordinating with logistics the delivery of sales orders and helping establish clear sales order processes & working with the operations team to optimise space and inventory management across multiple sites.

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family.
• A team that knows how to have fun with monthly team activities and Estate-wide team events.
• Access your earnings at anytime with Wagestream, with access to nationwide brand discounts.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we’re looking for

• Education: Candidates must have graduated from university with at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent).
• Experience: A minimum of four years’ experience in B2B sales within the premium chilled and frozen food or FMCG sector, specifically selling into premium outlets. Experience in corporate and event sales would be beneficial.
• Industry Network: A strong network of industry contacts that can be leveraged to generate new business opportunities for The Newt.
• Negotiation Skills: A proven track record of negotiating commercial agreements with prospective customers while building strong, lasting relationships.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute effective sales strategies.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across the business.
• Presentation Skills: Confident in delivering presentations to customers, with the ability to creatively pitch and sell new product launches. Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is essential.
• Commercial Acumen: A results-driven approach with a strong understanding of market dynamics, competition, product value, pricing strategies, and margins.
• Passion for Product: A genuine enthusiasm for high-quality products and a desire to position The Newt as best in class, with consideration for sustainability and innovation.
• Organisational Skills: Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Where you’ll be working

The Product Team is responsible for every aspect of product across the estate covering retail in our shops and online, products for hospitality, events and wholesale. The team includes buying and merchandising, new product development, wholesale and corporate sales, packaging and procurement.

The Product Team work alongside the various internal departments to help to develop the product proposition of the key pillars of the estate: hotel, gardens, visitor attractions as well as the butchery, creamery and bakery, adding products that complement these pillars and fit with The Newt’s vision: prioritising seasonality, sourcing or producing the highest quality products, with a focus on hampers and gifting.

The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.