Overview
About Hovat
Hovat is the flexible packaging division of Packaging Holdings Group (PHG), an Ireland- and UK-based packaging group. Operating from two UK manufacturing sites at Maidstone and Ashford, Hovat produces high-quality flexible packaging for the food industry, with particular strength in web offset litho-printed formats as well as a large portfolio of flexographic presses. Hovat is a key growth priority within PHG's wider transformation programme, and this role is central to that ambition.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated Business Development Manager to drive new business growth and strengthen existing customer relationships across Hovat's flexible packaging portfolio. This is a UK-wide, field-based role suited to a proven flexible packaging sales professional with an established network in the food sector and a strong track record of winning and growing accounts.
You will take ownership of both the identification and conversion of new business opportunities and the day-to-day stewardship of key existing accounts, acting as the primary commercial link between Hovat and its customer base.
Key Responsibilities
New Business Development
- Identify, target, and win new customers for flexible packaging solutions, with a primary focus on the UK food industry.
- Build and manage a robust sales pipeline, from prospecting and lead generation through to negotiation and contract close.
- Develop and execute a structured business development plan aligned with Hovat's growth targets.
- Represent Hovat at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings to build brand presence and generate new leads.
- Work closely with technical and operations teams at Maidstone and Ashford to develop tailored, deliverable proposals for prospective customers.
Key Account Management
- Maintain and develop relationships with existing key customers, acting as their principal point of contact.
- Protect and grow existing revenue streams through proactive account management, regular customer contact, and identification of cross-sell and up-sell opportunities.
- Monitor customer satisfaction and service levels, resolving commercial issues promptly and working with operations to ensure delivery commitments are met.
- Prepare and present regular account reviews, forecasts, and pipeline reports to the Sales Director.
Commercial & Strategic
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts in line with Hovat's commercial and margin objectives.
- Provide market intelligence on competitor activity, pricing trends, and customer demand to inform Hovat's commercial strategy.
- Contribute to sales forecasting and budgeting processes.
- Champion customer requirements internally, ensuring product development and operational priorities reflect market needs.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- Proven track record of business development and new customer wins within flexible packaging.
- Demonstrable experience selling web offset litho & or flexographic printed packaging into the food industry in the UK.
- Existing network of relevant customer relationships within the flexible packaging / food packaging sector.
- Strong understanding of flexible packaging manufacturing processes, materials, and print technologies.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to engage credibly at all levels, including senior procurement and technical stakeholders.
- Commercially astute, target-driven, and comfortable managing a UK-wide territory independently.
- Full, clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly, including to Maidstone and Ashford.
Desirable
- Existing relationships with major UK food manufacturers or retailers that could be leveraged for Hovat.
- Experience working within a multi-site or multi-division packaging group.
- Familiarity with sustainability trends and regulatory developments affecting flexible food packaging.
What Hovat Offers
- The opportunity to play a leading commercial role in a growing flexible packaging business, backed by a wider group transformation programme.
- Autonomy to build and own a UK-wide sales territory.
- A collaborative, technically capable operations base across Maidstone and Ashford.
- Competitive base salary, performance-related bonus, and car allowance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and covering letter outlining relevant flexible packaging business development experience, including examples of new business wins in the food sector, to [email protected]
Packaging Holdings Group is an equal opportunities employer.
Pay: £40,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ashford TN24 8DH
