Business Development Executive; BDE

Position: Business Development Executive (BDE)
Savona is a leading independent food service wholesaler with over 50 years of experience supplying chefs, caterers, and hospitality professionals across the South of England. What truly sets us apart isn’t just our products – it’s our people, our culture, and our customer-first mindset.

We’re a business built on relationships. Every order, every delivery, every conversation is driven by one simple value:  put the customer at the heart of everything we do.  Our team takes pride in going the extra mile – anticipating needs, solving problems, and delivering a service experience that is personal, reliable, and refreshingly genuine.

We work fast, stay flexible, and think differently. As an independent company, we have the freedom to innovate, to act quickly, and to put doing the right thing above all else. Collaboration and integrity guide how we work – with our customers, our partners, and each other.

At Savona, you’ll join a team that values initiative, celebrates fresh ideas, and supports each other to grow. We’re passionate about food, serious about service, and proud of the reputation we’ve built.

Role Overview
As a Business Development Executive (BDE), you will play a key role in supporting the growth of Savona, helping us strengthen relationships with existing customers while identifying exciting new opportunities. Working in partnership with a Business Development Manager (BDM) and reporting to the BDE Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our growth.

This office-based role is ideal for someone commercially driven, ambitious, and eager to learn the dynamics of the food service industry. You will gain hands‑on experience across all aspects of business development, including lead generation, customer engagement, and sales analysis, while building a deep understanding of how a successful, customer‑first food service business operates.

You will be responsible for nurturing relationships, uncovering opportunities to increase customer spend through upselling and product promotions, and contributing insights to help shape our sales strategy.

This role offers a fantastic chance to develop your commercial acumen, analytical skills, and industry knowledge, while working in a collaborative, high‑energy environment that values initiative, creativity, and results.

By joining Savona, you’re setting yourself on a path towards a rewarding career in sales and business development.

Key Responsibilities

Support BDMs in lead generation and customer engagement to drive sales growth.

Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to understand their needs and requirements.

Identify opportunities for increasing customer spend through upselling and promoting new or lost lines.

Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and opportunities in the CRM system.

Provide feedback on market trends, competitor activity, and customer preferences.

Skills & Experience

Commercially driven with a strong interest in sales and business development.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Proactive, motivated, and eager to learn about the food service sector.

Previous experience in sales or customer‑facing roles is desirable but not essential.

Personal Attributes

Commercially curious with a natural drive to succeed.

Confident communicator who can build relationships quickly.

Resilient and proactive, able to adapt in a fast‑moving environment.

Analytical thinker who looks for opportunities to improve and grow.

Collaborative team player who takes initiative and ownership.

Enthusiastic, eager to learn, and motivated by results.

Benefits and Perks

Company pension scheme with employer contributions and salary‑exchange options.

Life assurance: twice your salary after three months’ service.

Minimum 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

Long‑service recognition: rewards from 5 years onwards.

Staff discounts and Refer‑a‑Friend scheme.

Apprenticeship support and career development opportunities.

Free fresh fruit, unlimited drinks, and Employee Assistance Programme.

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