Business Development Manager - FMCG - Fast scaling firm

Our client is a fast-growing business operating within the food and grocery sector, specialising in the development, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of innovative food products across retail, food service and private label channels. The business works across three core areas:
Own-brand product development Exclusive brand partnerships Private label manufacturing and contract packing With a modern, accredited manufacturing facility and extensive capabilities across healthy grocery categories, the company provides scalable product development and packing solutions to leading retailers, wholesalers and food service operators. Due to continued growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially driven Business Development Manager to help drive the next phase of expansion.

The Role This is a high-impact commercial position focused on generating new business opportunities across retail, food service and private label manufacturing. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying and developing revenue opportunities through:
Expanding existing retail relationships into new categories and buyer networks Winning new retail and food service accounts Securing private label manufacturing and contract packing opportunities This role is heavily focused on proactive business development, relationship building, tender management and converting opportunities into long-term commercial partnerships. This is not a traditional account management role. We are seeking a highly motivated sales professional with a strong track record of winning new business and developing strategic commercial relationships.

Key Responsibilities New Business Development Identify and secure new business opportunities across UK retail, grocery and food service channels Develop relationships with buyers, category managers and innovation teams Generate and manage a pipeline of new prospects through networking, outreach and market research Explore new category opportunities within existing retail groups Private Label & Contract Manufacturing Lead the acquisition of private label and contract packing projects Identify and respond to retailer and food service tenders Secure development briefs for new product launches Promote end-to-end capabilities including sourcing, product development, packaging and manufacturing Commercial Strategy Collaborate with NPD, operations and supply chain teams to deliver commercially viable solutions Maintain a robust sales pipeline using CRM systems Deliver accurate forecasting, pipeline management and opportunity reporting Monitor market trends, retailer activity and emerging categories Customer Development Grow existing customer relationships into new categories and product areas Develop strategic partnerships with retailers, wholesalers, distributors and food service operators Represent the business at trade shows, customer meetings and industry events Essential Experience 37 years' experience within FMCG sales or business development Proven success in winning new business across grocery retail, food service or private label channels Strong understanding of UK retail structures and buying functions Experience working with major retailers or food service groups Demonstrable track record in prospecting and pipeline generation Contact Nicky Strutt