Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and commercially driven Business Development Manager to lead new business growth within the flexible packaging sector. The successful candidate will work closely with Head of New Sales and will be responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new opportunities across key markets including Food, Beverage, Pet Food. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of printed flexible films and formats including mono films, laminates, and stand-up pouches.
The role is primarily focused on new business acquisition (approximately 80%), with responsibility for managing and developing a small portfolio of existing strategic accounts (approximately 20%). Working closely with internal technical, customer service, operations, and product development teams, the Business Development Manager will deliver innovative packaging solutions that meet customer requirements and drive profitable growth. This is a Hybrid role with expectations of being in our Leeds office twice a week.
Duties
New Business Development (80%)
· Identify, target, and secure new customers within agreed market sectors and territories.
· Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue and profitability objectives.
· Generate new opportunities through market research, networking, referrals, industry events, proactive prospecting.
· Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline using the company CRM system.
· Lead customer presentations, technical discussions, negotiations, and contract discussions.
· Understand customer packaging requirements and work with technical and manufacturing teams to develop tailored solutions.
· Monitor market trends, competitor activity, emerging technologies, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities within your markets and territory.
· Prepare and deliver commercial proposals, pricing strategies, and business cases.
· Manage the full sales cycle from prospect identification through to successful implementation and ongoing support.
· Any new business achieved will be added to your account management portfolio.
Account Management (20%)
· Maintain and develop a small portfolio of existing key accounts, as well as any new onboarded accounts.
· Conduct regular business reviews to identify opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
· Quarterly face to face meetings with customers are expected.
· Build strong customer relationships to ensure high levels of satisfaction and retention.
· Manage contract renewals, pricing reviews, and commercial negotiations.
· Resolve customer issues effectively by coordinating with internal stakeholders.
Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations, Technical, Quality, and Customer Service teams to ensure successful project delivery.
- Provide accurate sales forecasting and market intelligence.
- Support product development initiatives by sharing customer and market insights.
- Maintain CRM records and prepare regular sales reports.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- New business revenue generated.
- Number and value of qualified opportunities added to pipeline.
- Conversion rate from opportunity to order.
- Forecast accuracy.
- Achievement of annual sales targets.
Experience
Essential
- Proven track record in Business Development, Sales, or Commercial roles within the flexible packaging industry.
- Experience selling packaging solutions into sectors such as food, beverage, pet food, healthcare, personal care, or industrial markets.
- Demonstrable success in winning new business and achieving sales growth targets.
- Strong understanding of flexible packaging materials, structures, printing technologies, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of the flexible packaging competitive landscape and different supplier strengths.
- Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
- Ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels, from procurement to senior leadership.
- Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage a territory effectively.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
Desirable
- Knowledge of sustainable packaging solutions and industry legislation.
- Experience with recyclable, mono-material, compostable, or high-barrier packaging solutions.
Personal Attributes
- Results-oriented and highly driven.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for winning new business.
- Resilient and persistent in a competitive market.
- Customer-focused with strong relationship-building skills.
- Organised with excellent time management abilities.
- Collaborative team player who can influence cross-functional teams.
- Experience selling packaging solutions into sectors such as food, beverage, pet food, healthcare, personal care, or industrial markets.
- Demonstrable success in winning new business and achieving sales growth targets.
- Strong understanding of flexible packaging materials, structures, printing technologies, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of the flexible packaging competitive landscape and different supplier strengths.
- Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
- Ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels, from procurement to senior leadership.
- Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage a territory effectively.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic sales professional who thrives on opening doors, developing new relationships, and converting opportunities into long-term customers within the flexible packaging market, while maintaining a smaller portfolio of key accounts to ensure continued growth and customer satisfaction.
Candidates may be expected to travel above and beyond the hours of work, including overnight stays.
Pay: Up to £55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Work from home
Experience:
- flexible packaging : 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
