Business Development Manager

The Opportunity

Our client is a well-established, independent packaging manufacturer with a strong reputation for innovation, quality and customer service. They provide a broad range of packaging solutions to many of the UK's leading consumer brands, combining traditional cartonboard packaging with a wider portfolio of sustainable and premium packaging products.

Following continued growth, they are looking to appoint an ambitious Business Development Manager to identify new opportunities, build long-term customer relationships and contribute to the company's future commercial strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys opening doors, developing strategic customer relationships and influencing business growth. Longer term, there is genuine scope to progress into a more senior commercial leadership position.

The Role

Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will be responsible for generating new business opportunities across the UK, targeting brand owners, manufacturers and packaging buyers with significant annual packaging spend.

Working closely with the wider commercial team, you will identify opportunities where the business can add value through innovative packaging solutions, excellent service and a consultative sales approach.

While the primary focus will be on printed cartonboard packaging, you will also have access to a wider portfolio of complementary packaging solutions, enabling you to offer customers a complete packaging solution where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new business opportunities across targeted market sectors.
• Develop relationships with medium to large manufacturing businesses and brand owners.
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of qualified sales opportunities using the company CRM system.
• Identify opportunities for innovative sustainable packaging solutions within food, chilled, fresh produce and FMCG markets.
• Attend customer meetings, site visits and industry events as required.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams including design, technical, operations and customer service to deliver successful customer solutions.
• Develop strategic account plans for high-potential prospects.
• Work alongside the wider commercial team to share market intelligence and identify future opportunities.
• Support marketing initiatives by providing customer insight and identifying emerging market trends.

Longer-Term Responsibilities

As the business continues to grow, there will be opportunities to become more involved in the wider commercial strategy, including:

• Supporting the development of the company's sales strategy.
• Helping shape future business development initiatives.
• Building strategic supplier and customer relationships.
• Leading larger commercial projects.
• Potential to take on leadership responsibilities as the commercial team expands.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in business development within the packaging industry.
• Strong track record of winning new business.
• Experience selling into FMCG, food manufacturing, retail or consumer goods sectors would be advantageous.
• Commercially astute with excellent relationship-building skills.
• Able to identify opportunities and develop long-term sales strategies.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to generating new business.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Key Performance Indicators

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities.
• Generate consistent levels of new business enquiries.
• Secure new customer accounts with significant long-term growth potential.
• Achieve agreed revenue and margin targets.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales forecasts.
• Attend customer meetings and manage opportunities through to successful conversion.

Career Opportunity

This role offers excellent long-term career prospects within a growing organisation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a key role in shaping future commercial growth, with clear progression into a more senior leadership position as the business continues to expand.