Advocate Group
Business Development Manager
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Business Development Manager
Field Based
Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus
Are you an experienced Sales professional with a passion for the drinks industry? Do you have a proven track record in acquiring new business and developing strong customer relationships within the On Trade market? If you’re looking for an opportunity to join an exciting, independent cider business with a strong heritage and ambitious growth plans, we want to hear from you! 🍎
We are currently representing an independent and authentic British cider producer with a real passion for quality, provenance and sustainability. With strong roots in the English countryside, the business produces a range of traditionally crafted ciders using 100% fresh-pressed English cider apples sourced from local orchards.
We are looking for a Business Development Manager to drive growth across the region, with a key focus on winning new business, increasing distribution and developing long-term relationships with existing customers across the On Trade.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven salesperson who enjoys being out in the market, identifying opportunities and turning relationships into tangible sales growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify and secure new business opportunities across the On Trade, targeting pubs, bars, restaurants, wholesalers, and hospitality businesses.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers, identifying opportunities to increase sales, distribution, and product range.
- Develop and manage a strong sales pipeline, proactively prospecting for new customers and converting opportunities into long-term accounts.
- Increase the visibility and presence of the company's portfolio across the territory through new listings, ranging, and commercial activity.
- Understand customer needs and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and develop commercially compelling proposals.
- Negotiate new business opportunities and manage customer relationships to ensure strong levels of retention and ongoing account development.
- Regularly visit customers and prospects, maintaining a strong presence in the market and building a network of contacts across the On Trade.
- Monitor competitor activity and market developments, using this insight to identify new opportunities and support the wider sales strategy.
- Maintain accurate customer and sales information through the CRM system and take ownership of agreed sales targets and KPIs.
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About You:
- Proven sales experience within the drinks, FMCG, hospitality, or On Trade sector.
- A strong track record of winning new business and developing existing customer accounts.
- Commercially driven, target-focused, and motivated by achieving tangible sales growth.
- Confident in identifying, developing, and converting new business opportunities.
- Strong understanding of the On Trade market and the dynamics of working with pubs, bars, restaurants, and wholesalers.
- Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills, with the confidence to engage with customers at all levels.
- Naturally proactive, entrepreneurial, and comfortable working autonomously within a field-based role.
- Passionate about building brands and creating long-term customer partnerships.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Organised and able to effectively manage a customer base, sales pipeline, and diary.
- Comfortable using CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and other basic business applications.
- Positive, resilient, and solutions-focused, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and growing business.
- Comfortable with regular travel across the territory.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
If this role sounds like it's a good fit for you, then I’d love to speak to you! 👀
Please get in touch with Evie Coates or click “Apply Now” to be considered for this vacancy.
📞 Call: 07537 163597
💻 Email: evie.coates@advocate-group.co.uk
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
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