We are looking for a driven and commercially minded Business Development Manager to accelerate our retail presence across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain. You will identify, win, and grow retail accounts—from independent stores and garden centres to national multiples—while building strong, lasting relationships with buyers and distributors. This is a hands-on, results-oriented role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced SME environment and wants to make a genuine impact on a growing brand.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a retail sales strategy to grow distribution and revenue across multiple channels (convenience, grocery, health food, garden centres, speciality retail).
- Identify, prospect, and secure new retail listings with independent retailers, symbol groups, regional multiples, and national chains.
- Manage and grow existing key accounts, ensuring strong rate of sale, optimal shelf presence, and promotional effectiveness.
- Build and maintain relationships with buyers, category managers, and distributor partners.
- Negotiate trading terms, promotional plans, and range reviews with retail partners.
- Collaborate with the marketing team on trade marketing materials, sampling campaigns, and in-store activations.
- Provide regular market intelligence — competitor activity, pricing trends, category insights — to inform commercial decisions.
- Represent the brand at trade shows, food exhibitions, and industry networking events.
- Prepare accurate sales forecasts, pipeline reports, and monthly performance updates for the Managing Director.
- Support export development activity in GB and beyond, including distributor management and trade compliance where required.
Requirements
Essential
- Minimum 3 years' experience in a sales or business development role within the food & beverage or FMCG sector.
- Proven track record of winning new retail listings and growing revenue in existing accounts.
- Strong understanding of the Irish and/or UK retail landscape (multiples, symbol groups, independents).
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
- Self-motivated, target-driven, and comfortable working autonomously in a field-based role.
- Full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel regularly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
Desirable
- Experience working with or within an SME / start-up food brand.
- Existing relationships with Irish and/or UK grocery buyers
- Experience managing distributor partnerships (e.g. CLF, Cotswold Fayre, BWG Foods).
- Familiarity with Amazon Seller Central and e-commerce retail.
Pay: €30,452.46-€50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
