Business Development Manager

The People Co.; Greater Lincolnshire; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The People Co. is seeking a Commercial & Business Development Manager to own the foodservice category within Wholesale & Foodservice, driving revenue growth and expanding market reach.

You will build partnerships with customers, collaborate with supply chain, product development and manufacturing partners, and shape category growth while delivering tangible commercial impact. This role offers autonomy, exposure to a diverse customer base, and opportunities for career progression within a growing

Qualifications

• Sales or commercial experience within the food industry.
• Strong commercial mindset with a track record of developing customer relationships.
• Proven ability to win new business while growing existing accounts.
• Independent working style with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills.
• Strong MS Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Interest in food, ingredients and consumer trends.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales growth across wholesale and foodservice accounts via account management and new business development.
• Build and strengthen relationships with customers across buying, supply chain and product development functions.
• Identify, develop and secure new customer opportunities, tenders and market sectors.
• Manage quotations, specifications, samples and project launches through to completion.
• Work cross-functionally with NPD, supply chain and operational teams to maximise commercial opportunities.
• Represent the business at customer meetings, industry events and exhibitions to build market presence and generate leads.

Skills

Sales experience in food industry

Commercial mindset

Relationship building

Account management

Communication & presentation

Organisational skills

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Drive sales growth, win new business and develop key foodservice partnerships within a growing food sector organisation.

We are working with a growing food business to appoint a Commercial & Business Development Manager within its Wholesale & Foodservice division.

This is a strategic and commercially focused role offering the opportunity to shape category growth, build key customer relationships, and drive market expansion within a growing organisation.

The Opportunity

You will take ownership of the foodservice category, working closely with customers, supply chain teams, product development colleagues and manufacturing partners to drive revenue growth and secure new business opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining hands-on business development with strategic account management and wants to make a tangible impact on commercial performance and future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive sales growth across wholesale and foodservice accounts through proactive account management and new business development.
• Build and strengthen relationships with customers across buying, supply chain and product development functions.
• Identify, develop and secure new customer opportunities, tenders and market sectors.
• Manage quotations, specifications, samples and project launches through to completion.
• Work cross-functionally with NPD, supply chain and operational teams to maximise commercial opportunities.
• Represent the business at customer meetings, industry events and exhibitions to build market presence and generate leads.

About You

We are interested in speaking with people who:

• Have sales or commercial experience within the food industry.
• Bring a strong commercial mindset and a track record of developing customer relationships.
• Enjoy winning new business while growing existing accounts.
• Are comfortable working independently and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Possess excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills.
• Have strong MS Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Have an interest in food, ingredients and consumer trends.

Why This Role?

• Opportunity to take ownership of a key commercial category and influence future growth.
• Exposure to a diverse customer base and a broad product portfolio.
• High levels of autonomy with the ability to shape customer strategy and market development.
• Join a growing business offering genuine opportunities for career progression.
• Varied role combining business development, account management and commercial strategy.

If you have experience within foodservice, wholesale, food manufacturing or food ingredients sales, I would be very interested in having a confidential conversation.

Applicants must be based in the UK with full working rights.