Business Development Manager 

Food & Drink Manufacturing

Location: Bristol – Hybrid (3 days office-based)
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 Basic DOE + Commission + Car Allowance
Travel: UK & International

Are you an experienced Business Development Manager, Sales Manager or Account Manager with a background in the food, drink or manufacturing sector?

We’re working with an established and growing business that is looking for a commercially driven Business Development Manager to take responsibility for developing and managing key customer relationships, identifying new opportunities and driving profitable sales growth across the UK and international markets.  This is an additional role as the team is expanding rapidly 

This is an excellent opportunity for a customer-focused sales professional who enjoys building long-term relationships, winning new business and working closely with technical and R&D/NPD teams to deliver solutions that meet customer needs.

The Role

As Business Development Manager, you will have overall responsibility for managing relationships with both new and existing customers. You will develop a strong understanding of customer requirements, identify opportunities and work collaboratively across the business to convert those opportunities into profitable sales.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, retain and develop a portfolio of key accounts and markets.
• Build strong relationships with buyers, decision-makers and other key stakeholders.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities across direct customers, agents and distributors.
• Manage qualified leads and convert opportunities through the sales pipeline.
• Organise and attend commercially focused customer and prospect meetings.
• Work closely with Technical, R&D and NPD teams to identify and develop customer opportunities.
• Increase sales revenue, profitability and the active customer base.
• Drive customer retention and identify opportunities for account growth.
• Develop relationships with potential business partners, agents and distributors.
• Prepare and deliver customer and internal presentations.
• Maintain accurate customer, opportunity and CRM records.
• Contribute to external marketing and commercial communications where required.
• Plan and manage customer and field visits.
• Maintain the product list in conjunction with the Technical Data Lead.
• Develop appropriate technical knowledge across the company's product portfolio.
• Travel throughout the UK and internationally as required.

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded sales professional with a proven track record in Business Development, Sales or Account Management, ideally within the food, drink or manufacturing industry.

You will ideally have:

• 2+ years' experience in Sales or Business Development.
• Experience within the food, drink, FMCG or manufacturing sector is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical ability.
• Proven experience of developing and influencing customer relationships.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills.
• Experience planning and managing customer/field visits.
• A strong understanding of sales pipelines and CRM systems.
• A customer-first approach combined with a strong commercial focus.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a wider team.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.

What's on Offer?

• £45,000–£50,000 basic salary, depending on experience.
• Bonus scheme.
• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working – typically 3 days office-based
• UK and international travel.
• Opportunity to join an established business and play a key role in its continued commercial growth.

If you're an ambitious Business Development Manager, Sales Manager, Key Account Manager or National Account Manager looking for your next opportunity within the food and drink manufacturing sector, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV for immediate consideration.