Business Development Manager

Elva Talent Ltd; United States; Remote; USD 101,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Elva Talent Ltd’s client is seeking an ambitious Business Development Manager – Europe to spearhead growth in the pet toy category across European markets. The role focuses on identifying and securing new retail and distribution accounts, establishing long-term partnerships, and expanding the brand’s European presence.

The successful candidate will develop relationships with buyers and decision-makers, manage end-to-end sales cycles, and drive commercial success while traveling regularly across

Qualifications

• Direct experience within the pet toy or wider pet products industry.
• Established relationships with major European pet retailers or distributors.
• Proven track record of opening new retail accounts and generating revenue.
• Willingness to travel regularly across Europe.

Responsibilities

• Identify, target and secure new retail and distribution accounts across Europe, specifically within the pet toy category.
• Build relationships with buyers, category managers and commercial directors.
• Lead the full new business sales cycle from prospecting to negotiation and activation.
• Secure product listings, distribution agreements and commercial partnerships.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of new business opportunities.
• Meet or exceed sales, revenue and profitability targets.
• Introduce the pet toy portfolio into new markets and channels.
• Negotiate terms, pricing and promotions.
• Support the launch and development of newly secured accounts.
• Monitor market trends and competitive activity in Europe.
• Provide commercial insights for pricing and category development.
• Collaborate with internal teams on market-specific sales strategies.
• Represent at European trade shows and customer meetings.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Entrepreneurial mindset

Remote work capability

Self-motivation

Job description

Our client is an established consumer manufacture with a strong focus on creativity, product innovation and retail partnerships, the business is continuing to expand its international presence.

As part of its European growth strategy, our client is looking to accelerate the development of its pet toy category, establishing new retail partnerships and expanding distribution across key European markets.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious and commercially driven Business Development Manager – Europe to spearhead new business growth within the pet toy category.

This is a predominantly new business-focused role, responsible for identifying, targeting and securing new retail and distribution accounts across Europe.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing the business's European presence, introducing its pet toy portfolio to new customers and establishing long-term commercial partnerships.

This opportunity will suit a proactive, entrepreneurial sales professional who thrives on opening doors, developing new markets and converting opportunities into profitable business.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have established relationships with major European pet retailers, including but not limited to:

• Fressnapf / Maxi Zoo Group
• Arcaplanet
• Musti Group
• Bitiba
• Zoomalia

The position can be based remotely in Germany, France, Italy or Spain, with regular travel across European markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, target and secure new retail and distribution accounts across Europe, specifically within the pet toy category.
• Build and develop relationships with key decision-makers, including buyers, category managers and commercial directors.
• Take ownership of the complete new business sales cycle, from prospecting and initial engagement through to commercial negotiation and account activation.
• Secure new product listings, distribution agreements and commercial partnerships.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of new business opportunities.
• Deliver against agreed sales, revenue and profitability targets.
• Identify opportunities to introduce the pet toy portfolio into new European markets and retail channels.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing and promotional agreements.
• Support the successful launch and development of newly secured accounts.
• Monitor European pet toy market trends, competitor activity and emerging retail opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for new product development based on customer feedback and market demand.
• Provide commercial insights to support product positioning, pricing and category development.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to develop market-specific sales strategies.
• Represent the business at relevant European trade shows, exhibitions and customer meetings.

Candidate Requirements

• Direct experience within the pet toy, pet accessories or wider pet products industry.
• Established relationships with major European pet retailers, specialist chains, online retailers or distributors.
• A demonstrable track record of opening new retail accounts and generating new business revenue.
• Strong knowledge of European pet retail markets and distribution channels.
• Experience selling physical consumer products into major retailers, specialist retail chains or distributors.
• Strong commercial negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience managing the full sales process, from initial prospecting through to securing new business.
• A proactive, self‑motivated and entrepreneurial approach.
• Ability to work independently and remotely within an international environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly across Europe.
• Existing relationships with key accounts such as Fressnapf, Maxi Zoo, Arcaplanet, Das Futterhaus, Musti Group, Zooplus and other major European pet retailers.
• Experience working for an international pet products, toy, gift or consumer products manufacturer.
• Knowledge of European retail buying cycles, product launches and seasonal ranges.
• Experience developing new territories and building retail distribution from the ground up.