Head of Business Development

Intertek; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A global quality assurance company is seeking a Head of Business Development/Key Account Manager to drive growth in food and water testing services. The role involves leading a team, developing client relationships, and maximizing commercial opportunities. Ideal candidates will have expertise in business development, a results-oriented mindset, and strong communication skills. Competitive salary and career growth opportunities are offered in a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary/benefits

Development and career opportunities

Dynamic working environment

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing new and existing customers.
• Experience in building strong client relationships.
• Ability to model strategic alliances with key decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the business development team to exceed targets.
• Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline.
• Collaborate with internal teams on proposals.
• Negotiate contracts and close new business agreements.
• Maintain CRM records and provide market insights.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of food and water testing services

Commercial acumen in Business Development

Proven ability to manage and energise a team

Results-oriented and driven for success

Experience presenting to senior stakeholders

Strong communication skills

Customer-service focus

Excellent teamwork skills

Job description

Due to continued success and growth, we are excited to offer a new opportunity for a Head of Business Development/Key Account Manager to help drive our food and water testing services. In this role, you will shape and advance our commercial strategy while ensuring a seamless and positive customer experience. You will support, mentor, and enhance the capabilities of our existing business development team, deliver exceptional service to key accounts, and play a pivotal role in our ongoing growth and success.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking a Head of Business Development/Key Account Manager with deep expertise in food testing services. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing both new and existing customers, building strong relationships at all levels of client organisations through in-person meetings and a variety of engagement activities.

Required skills and experience:

• In-depth knowledge of food and water testing services and industry
• Commercially astute and a proven track record in Business Development activities with knowledge of market analysis, sales & marketing, major account planning & customer engagement, sales performance management, revenue and margin growth
• Proven ability to manage, direct and energise a team
• Being results‑oriented and driven to exceed objectives set for turnover, profitability and service promotion is essential
• Proven ability to establish strategic alliances with key decision makers internally and externally, combined with the ability to model this behaviour for direct reports
• Experience in presenting to senior stakeholders
• Strong communication skills
• Outgoing, energetic, and adept at building and maintaining relationships.
• Customer‑service focus, excellent teamwork skills

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Head of Business Development/Key Account Manager will report to the Business Line Leader (Food UK) and lead the business development team, providing regular updates on new opportunities, key leads, and projected growth within our food and water testing services. Your role will focus on maximising commercial opportunities while also supporting our existing key accounts, ensuring their business needs are met, and long‑term partnerships are strengthened.

Key activities:

• Lead, coach and develop a team of business development managers to achieve and exceed
• Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline through market research, networking, and prospecting
• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, operations, technical) to tailor proposals and win together
• Negotiate pricing, contract terms, and close new business agreements
• Achieve or exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets
• Provide technical and business support to key accounts
• Maintain accurate records in our CRM
• Provide market insights, competitor analysis, and customer feedback to inform strategy
• Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and networking events
• Point of contact for early careers colleagues, providing guidance and support throughout their journey

WHAT WE OFFER

Join Intertek and become part of our global network of inspiring and entrepreneurial colleagues. We are a global family that values diversity and we thrive working together with precision, pace, and passion. We are working to make the world Ever Better, ensuring the quality, safety and sustainability of products and services used by millions of people around the world.

• Competitive salary/benefits
• Development and career opportunities around the Globe
• Working in a highly motivated team and dynamic working environment

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who do not discriminate against applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex or national origin.

Intertek operates a preferred supplier arrangement, and we do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies.