National Business Development Manager

Location : Peterborough /  Hybrid    

Salary - Negotiable 

The Business Development Manager role will be responsible for all sales and commercial elements of the customer relationship with key retailers and distributors.  
The portfolio will be a mix of early stage pipeline prospects with high potential and a strategic and dynamic selection of targets in key markets worldwide. Targets are mainly direct to retail, but some will be distributor partners where the market dynamic requires this.

The ideal candidate will undertake market reviews to create market entry plans for the right target markets in combination with the relevant brand managers. Current core markets are Scandinavia, South East Asia, Middle East, Australia and South America. Next stage strategic targets include Germany, Spain, the middle East and selected south east Asia targets. The USA and China remain long term strategic targets. The ability to demonstrate direct to retail and effective management of distributor partners across a number of markets is essential.

The role will be home working with regular visits to Peterborough head office at least every two weeks for 1 to 2 days.

• Recommend and scope retailer and market targets globally.
• Utilise available resources to establish contacts with new targets, gain initials meetings to pitch the relevant brands from the portfolio.
• Agree commercial terms to commence and support initial trading.
• Meet sales growth and margin targets for early pipeline and high potential customers.
• Initiate and drive a strategic sales plan in each targeted region to provide an ongoing pipeline of growth opportunities.
• Execution of plan in tandem with brand team – from door opening (via trade shows/buyer events/direct contact) through to securing listings with agreed customer specific terms.
• Full profit and loss management for each key account – producing two year go to market strategies including relevant execution investment to maximise potential for successful launches.
• Price and investment negotiation with customers to agreed profitability targets.
• Produce and manage sales budget to include sales/ margin and retailer/market investment and profitability summaries.
• Tracking adherence to sales budget and reporting to the business shortfalls / gains. Managing up front potential risks / opportunities.
• Day to day customer interface – driving and owning all meetings / calls including all meeting preparation and meeting minutes together with issuing and ensuring follow through is actioned and closed off.
• Forecasting demand including promotional activity. To include launch forecasts, including final store numbers and pipe fill.
• Gather intelligence of activities which will impact base forecast (promotions / additional space / seasonality) and manage through the forecast into the business.

We are looking for: 

• Evidence of driving and managing brands in international markets predominantly through direct to retail (versus distributors) of at least 5 years
• Languages other than English desirable
• Minimum of FMCG background
• Management of multiple product types across multiple categories within key retail accounts
• Full Driving Licence