UK & EU Business Development Manager

Location London
Discipline: Food & Fresh Produce
Job type: Permanent
Salary: ££45000 - £55000 per annum
Contact name: Saffron Hardy

Contact email: saffron@agriFJ.co.uk
Job ref: SH43660_1738870992
Published: 5 days ago
Startdate: ASAP
Client: Agricultural and Farming Jobs

*** This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract ***

UK & EU Business Development Manager

Are you an experienced sales professional with a passion for launching and growing FMCG brands?
Do you have a proven track record in securing listings and developing key retail & distribution partnerships?
Ready to be part of an exciting start-up bringing a new health-focused energy drink to market?

Location of the Job:

  • Remote/Flexible (UK & EU travel required)

Salary & Benefits Package:

  • £55K (pro rata for part time)
  • Opportunity for part-time role transitioning to full-time based on revenue targets
  • Performance-based incentives and commission structure
  • Flexible working arrangements

Additional Information:

  • This is a permanent position with an initial part-time structure
  • The role will transition to full-time upon achievement of revenue targets
  • Travel to key trade events and client meetings across the UK & EU

About the Company:

Our client is an ambitious start-up in the functional beverage sector, founded by experienced FMCG professionals with a background in food innovation. They are launching a clean energy drink designed to support a healthy lifestyle, enhance athletic performance, and provide sustained natural energy. This unique formulation includes electrolytes, specialist amino acids, moderate natural caffeine, and essential B vitamins.

With the final product and packaging currently being developed, they are seeking a UK & EU Business Development Manager to drive brand awareness, secure listings, and develop key relationships with retailers, distributors, and on-trade partners. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the brand's growth strategy and leading its introduction to market, including a high-profile launch at a major trade show in September 2025.

UK & EU Business Development Manager - The Job Role Details:

Are you ready to take a start-up brand to market and drive rapid sales growth? This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced sales professional with strong industry connections to lead the launch and expansion of an innovative functional beverage brand.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute a structured sales pipeline to establish and grow the brand within the UK & EU markets.
  • Identify and secure partnerships with retailers, distributors, and hospitality venues.
  • Leverage existing relationships within the food & beverage industry to accelerate market penetration.
  • Work closely with the founders on product positioning, sales strategy, and market entry plans.
  • Provide insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activity to refine product development.
  • Lead negotiations with key buyers and distributors to establish strong long-term relationships.
  • Represent the brand at key trade shows, including the major exhibition in September 2025.

Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications:

You will have/be:

  • Proven experience in launching and scaling FMCG brands, particularly in functional beverages, health drinks, or premium food & drink categories.
  • A strong background in business development, securing retail and distribution listings.
  • An established network within on-trade and off-trade channels.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building brands from the ground up.
  • Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of sales strategy and execution.
  • Willingness to travel across the UK and Europe to secure new business and attend key industry events.

How to Apply:

Please click the apply now button to submit your application.

The Industry (Key Words):

Sales Development, Business Development, FMCG, Functional Beverages, Health Drinks, On-Trade, Off-Trade, Retail Listings, Distribution Partnerships, Brand Launch, Start-Up Growth.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, please be advised that only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. Your application will be managed in complete confidence, and your personal details will not be shared with any third party without your prior permission.

About Us:

Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide outstanding recruitment, headhunting, and job advertising services. We are the trusted recruitment partner of choice to industry-leading organisations across the UK and internationally. We recruit specifically for all roles within the sectors of Agriculture, Farming, Horticulture, Food and Fresh Produce, Veterinary, Animal Health, Agrochemicals, Fertilisers and Seeds, Software and Technology, Machinery, Technical and Engineering, and Specialist Education.