Business Development Manager

Our client, who are part of a large stable group are a Large Independent Soft Facility Management Business. They are currently looking for an interim (6 Months) or permanent Business Development Manager to target primary & secondary education contracts, specifically within food sector. The role can be home based with periodic meetings in one of their offices in the north of England.

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

To be responsible for identifying new business opportunities in order to generate revenue, improve profitability and help the business grow, achieving sales and revenue targets and the long and short-term strategic goals of the Company. Lead and manage the Marketing and Bid Assistant, developing and implementing marketing/promotional activities internally and externally

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Support the Operations Director – Foodservice in developing and implementing the sales and marketing plan for the Foodservice division
• Research and identify new business opportunities - including new markets, growth areas, trends, customers, partnerships, products and services
• Generate, manage and nurture potential leads through a consultative and informed approach to lead generation
• Understand the needs and expectations of new/existing customers and be able to respond effectively with a plan of how to meet (or exceed) these
• Think and work strategically - seeing the bigger picture and setting aims and objectives in order to develop and improve our business
• Create proposals, bids, presentations, tenders, re-tenders and customer contracts, ensuring they meet Company standards for brand consistency
• Lead negotiations on pricing and terms with prospects / customers
• Have an excellent understanding of our products and services, and be confident advising about them
• Build strong, trusting relationships with prospects / customers – managing the relationships proactively, growing customer loyalty/satisfaction and improving brand perception
• Oversee, discuss and implement promotional and marketing strategy with the Marketing and Bid Assistant, including the development of relevant marketing literature
• Lead on customer/prospect meetings and site visits, working closely with other relevant stakeholders across the business
• Support the integration and mobilisation of new business
• Working with the wider business, support Brand development across the divisions
• Communicate new product / service developments to colleagues and prospective / existing clients
• Actively keep up to date with trends and innovations, new regulation/legislation and new technology that may impact on our business; researching and considering the implementation / impact on our kitchens, colleagues and customers
• Write reports and analyse relevant business data for regular presentation to senior leaders

Leadership and Engagement

• Lead, motivate and manage a direct report (Marketing and Bid Assistant) including development reviews, appraisals, performance management, holidays, absence etc
• Work closely with, influence and build strong relationships with business leaders, line managers and other stakeholders across the company, influencing and being a known subject-matter specialist 

The top 5 things about you that are most important: 

• You are commercially-minded, you love building strong relationships to achieve goals and are very comfortable making decisions and negotiating with customers/prospects
• You have the ability to influence, inspire and motivate people and you are proactive, positive, reliable and enthusiastic on a day-to-day basis
• You enjoy variety and challenges within your day-to-day work and you thrive working in a fast-paced, agile environment
• You have excellent time-management and organisational skills, take pride in your work and are able to meet tight deadlines whilst maintaining high standards of detail
• You are results-driven and enjoy working as part of a team and also independently, and you’re a great communicator with people at all levels of a business 

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:      Degree level Business Management or Marketing qualification, or demonstrable experience

Experience in Food services, specifically in primary & secondary education

Experience in a Sales / Business Development role, with evidence of regularly meeting and exceeding sales targets and objectives

Experience in contract negotiations and writing of contracts, bid and tenders

Proven business and commercial acumen

Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook etc.)

Full driving licence

Desirable:      Food Hygiene certification

Experience in the Food industry

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure check

Salary is very much dependant on experience, Circa £50k plus further £20k based on outcomes.

Contact Six degrees Recruitment for a confidential discussion.