Business Development Manager - New & Existing Accounts - Inks

Harrison Scott Associates; London; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected ink manufacturer is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive sales in the southern parts of the UK. This remote role involves acquiring new business and maintaining relationships with existing clients. The ideal candidate has a strong background in the liquid ink industry with proven sales achievements. Responsibilities include executing strategic sales plans and ensuring high customer satisfaction through effective account management.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in B2B sales, preferably in the ink or packaging industries.
• Strong experience in new business development, particularly in solvent-based and water-based inks.
• Willingness to travel frequently across the southern parts of the UK.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales efforts across southern UK, focusing on new business acquisition.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve profitable growth.
• Manage and nurture relationships with existing customers.

Skills

B2B sales experience

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to join our client’s team and drive sales efforts across the southern parts of the UK. This new sales role, based remotely at home, is pivotal in driving revenue growth through new business acquisition and expanding relationships with existing, long-standing customers. The ideal candidate will ideally have a strong background in the liquid ink industry, particularly in solvent-based and water-based packaging inks, with a proven ability to generate robust sales pipelines and foster long-term customer relationships.

Main Tasks

1. Identifying new prospects throughout the UK southern market, focusing on new business, targeting waterbase and solvent based, liquid flexo inks for flexible packaging, paper, board and corrugated packaging companies.
2. Contacting potential target customers and arranging introductory meetings to highlight the core ink range including the features and benefits of the products and end solutions.
3. Propose suitable product recommendations and liaise with the technical team to undertake trials and testing as necessary.
4. Visiting customers to maintain and grow the relationship; to obtain orders and check they are happy with products and service provided by the team.
5. Attend customer visits as required for product trials, benchmarking, customer pass offs or for problem solving that may occur.
6. Develop long lasting and meaningful relationships with customers.
7. Undertake new customer audits, propose KPI analysis and arrange client technical product training.
8. Identifying and reporting on new business opportunities.
9. Assessing sales opportunities and generating targeted proposals to present and agree with potential new and existing customers.
10. Supporting and liaising with existing customer where necessary.
11. Attending and contributing towards monthly team sales meetings.

Sales Growth & Business Development

Develop and execute a robust strategic sales plan to drive profitable sales growth across the Southern parts of the UK, focusing on new business acquisition within the packaging sector, for solvent and water-based packaging inks. Identify and target key prospects, actively building a healthy sales pipeline to ensure sustainable growth. Conduct customer visits to undertake product tests and trials, demonstrating the effectiveness of the ink range for their machinery.

Customer & Account Management

Manage and nurture relationships with existing, loyal and long-standing customers, ensuring high satisfaction, repeat business, and long-term partnerships are created. Oversee order processing, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations to maximise profitability. Resolve any customer disputes or issues that may promptly and professionally.

Collaboration & Leadership

Work closely within the UK sales team to align strategies and tactics, share market insights and feedback, and ensure cohesive customer approach. Provide market feedback to relevant business teams (Technical, Production, Sales, Marketing & Management) to support the site development and new product innovation.

Product & Industry Expertise

Undertake product knowledge training to develop a deep understanding of liquid ink range and core products, including their features, benefits, and end applications. Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies to maintain competitive edge.

Qualifications & Experience

Proven track record in B2B sales, preferably within the ink, coatings, or associated printing and packaging industries. Strong experience in new business development, particularly in solvent-based, and water-based packaging inks including tape. Ability to manage key accounts and build long-term customer relationships. Willingness to travel reasonably frequently across the southern parts of the UK for customer visits, product trials, and industry events. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

About The Company

Since establishment, our client has become one of the most respected independent manufacturers of specialist liquid inks and coatings. They are a market leader with experience delivering innovative ink and coating solutions to a complex, demanding industry. They have their own purpose built manufacturing facilities and ability to export globally.