Business Development Executive
Attractive Salary, Benefits, Company Car & Bonus
36.5 Hour week
Field Based
Who are we?
At Henderson Group, we are proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property.
We employ over 5,500 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024.
We're a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live.
A look into the role
Henderson Food Service is the leading supplier to the food service industry in Ireland. We source and supply a range of thousands of products to customers including hotels, restaurants, and public sector organisations such as hospitals and offices.
Following another year of record growth, our team continue to exceed targets and deliver sales across N.I. and R.O.I. Our team will offer you a positive and supportive environment to enjoy success within our market leading brand.
We achieved Gold accreditation against the Investors in People standard framework in 2020 in recognition of people management excellence and our commitment to investment in people.
The Purpose of the role:
Due to continued growth, Henderson Foodservice is expanding its team and seeking a Business Development Executive (BDE) to drive new business.
The successful candidate will play a key role in driving continued business growth. We’re looking for someone who is excited about food, competitive and target driven, and is eager to grow their career in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The successful candidate will focus on New Business, expanding our customer base in key sectors and identifying new opportunities.
The role requires a deep understanding of market trends, customer needs and determination to meet KPI's and achieve targets.
Working as Business Development Executive you will:
* Focus on developing New Business opportunities.
* Achieve sales and margin targets within designated territory focusing particularly on new business opportunities.
* Contribute to the strategic sales plan to grow sales across categories, sectors and customers.
* Collaborate with Trading & Replenishment on category range, product sourcing, pricing, stock holding, and market trends.
* Develop strong relationships with key decision makers.
* Carry out regular business reviews and prepare focused development plans for customers.
* To forecast accurately to the re-order team volume requirements for specific customers and/or new product requests.
* Analyse sales and margin performance, recommending actions by category, customer, sector, and territory.
Skills for Success
Joining us as Business Development Executive the minimum criteria you’ll need is:
* Minimum of 2 years’ target driven relevant sales experience.
* Experience of winning new business.
* Ability to understand and adapt to customer needs and working patterns.
* Proven commercial awareness and business acumen.
* Excellent IT Skills particularly with MS Office packages.
* Full UK/EU Driving License.
The Attributes you’ll need include:
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to overcome business challenges.
* Proven negotiation abilities.
* Strong customer focus with the ability to motivate and inspire others to deliver the highest levels of customer service.
* Ability to work within a team as well as working independently.
It is Desirable if you have:
* Business related third level qualification
* Field Sales experience in Foodservice or FMCG
* Product knowledge within a Foodservice business
* Market knowledge of Foodservice sector within NI/ROI
Are we right for you?
As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.
Ambition – We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
Customer First – We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
Teamwork – We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
Integrity – We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.
The Reward
The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners.
You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success.
Benefits include market competitive salary, company car, bonus, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Reward Gateway Employee Recognition & Discount Scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.
This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.
If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer - email joanne.mcclelland@henderson-group.com to get in touch.
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 26th April 2026
We are an equal opportunities employer.