Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager – Foodservice (Southern Territory) Location: Home-based (Southern territory) – ideally located in Northampton or the Central Midlands for access to Midlands and London. Regular travel required, including occasional overnight stays. The Role We are seeking a driven and commercially astute Business Development Manager to manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 75 accounts across wholesale, cash & carry, and foodservice distribution channels. This is a field-focused role combining account development with new business generation. You will take ownership of your territory, driving product penetration, securing listings, executing campaigns, and increasing visibility and menu adoption. As the commercial lead for your region, you will also play a key role in feeding back market insights and identifying growth opportunities. Key Responsibilities * Manage and develop c.75 existing accounts across wholesale and foodservice channels * Identify and win new business opportunities within the territory * Drive product listings, promotions, and in-market campaigns * Increase product visibility and menu pull-through with end users * Build strong, long-term relationships with independent and group customers * Deliver product demonstrations, including cooking and tasting sessions * Lead commercial conversations, including pricing and negotiation * Maintain accurate CRM records and manage administrative tasks remotely * Provide actionable market insights to support wider business strategy About You * Proven experience in a field-based BDM or sales role within: * Foodservice wholesale, cash & carry, or distribution (preferred), OR * B2B FMCG with exposure to foodservice or adjacent sectors * Experience managing a high-volume account base (50–80+ accounts) across a large territory * Strong track record of both account growth and new business development * Confident in consultative selling and handling premium pricing discussions * Comfortable delivering product demonstrations independently * Excellent relationship-building skills, particularly within independent or family-run businesses * Highly self-motivated, organised, and able to work autonomously * Commercially curious with the ability to spot and act on opportunities Requirements * Full UK driving licence * Willingness to travel extensively across the territory * Comfortable with occasional overnight stays Working Style This is a home-based, field-led role. The majority of your time will be spent visiting customers, with CRM updates and administrative tasks completed remotely