Job Title: Business Development Manager – ROI
Reports To: Head of Sales & Marketing
Location: Hybrid Working
Role Purpose
The Business Development Manager will be responsible for developing and executing a robust business development strategy within the Republic of Ireland market. The role focuses on identifying new business opportunities, strengthening the companys market presence, and establishing strategic partnerships to drive sustainable and profitable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Contribute to the development and implementation of short, medium, and long-term commercial objectives while leading business development strategy within the ROI market.
Work alongside senior leadership to develop KPIs, sales forecasts, and performance reporting processes.
Professionally manage key accounts at head office level to maximise sales, profitability, and long-term customer relationships.
Take full responsibility for managing designated ROI accounts and act as the primary commercial contact for customers.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with buyers, customers, and internal teams including New Product Development.
Conduct regular business reviews with key customers to monitor performance and identify growth opportunities.
Develop strategic partnerships with major retailers and key customers to drive mutually beneficial business growth.
Ensure customer needs are delivered efficiently, maintaining high levels of service and satisfaction.
Prepare and present regular sales activity, performance, and financial reports to support business planning and strategy development.
Identify and convert new commercial opportunities into long-term strategic partnerships.
Introduce prospective customers through cold outreach, meetings, and formal presentations.
Provide product guidance, negotiate pricing structures within agreed parameters, and agree commercial terms while protecting profit margins.
Manage customer price files, promotional activity, category reviews, annual account plans, and contract negotiations.
Monitor market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activity to ensure product offerings remain competitive and commercially viable.
Support innovation and product development initiatives to maintain a strong pipeline of new and improved products.
Maintain and develop databases relating to customer, competitor, and market intelligence.
Coordinate participation in trade shows and industry events to build brand awareness and generate new business opportunities.
Support credit control processes, including assisting with outstanding or overdue debt collection when required.
Undertake additional duties as reasonably required by senior management.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
Minimum HND level qualification or equivalent.
Experience
Proven experience in account management or business development within the FMCG sector.
Experience managing accounts within ROI, NI, or GB markets.
Experience working with retail multiples and discount retailers.
Demonstrated track record of delivering sales targets within competitive environments.
Experience analysing and presenting sales and business performance data.
Understanding of sales-related financial metrics including margins and cost of sales.
Skills & Competencies
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Excellent organisational, planning, and time management skills.
Ability to build and maintain long-term commercial partnerships.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and deliver results.
Strong IT proficiency across Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
Desirable Criteria
Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline.
Experience within chilled or frozen food categories.
Experience or strong interest in New Product Development.
Experience selling into foodservice or B2B markets.
Established relationships with senior buyer contacts within the ROI foodservice sector.
Additional Requirements
Flexibility to meet business demands.
Willingness to travel extensively across the Republic of Ireland.
Full valid driving licence with minimal penalty points.