Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to support Chopmart Ltd’s expansion from its physical retail operation into a scalable e-commerce, wholesale, and B2B food distribution business across the UK. In this pivotal role, you will identify new commercial opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, expand Chopmart’s customer and business network, and drive sustainable revenue growth. You will use market research, customer insights, networking, and commercial analysis to identify opportunities for growth and help position Chopmart as a leading supplier of African food products to consumers and businesses across the UK.
Responsibilities
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities by analysing market trends, customer demand, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities within the UK African food and grocery market.
- Develop opportunities to expand Chopmart’s e-commerce customer base, including identifying new geographic markets, customer segments, product categories, and online sales opportunities.
- Identify and develop B2B and wholesale opportunities with African restaurants, caterers, retailers, food businesses, community organisations, and other commercial customers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing customers, suppliers, strategic partners, and other business stakeholders.
- Attend relevant trade events, conferences, networking events, and business meetings to develop commercial contacts and strategic relationships.
- Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with suppliers, distributors, businesses, and other organisations that can support Chopmart’s growth and market expansion.
- Identify opportunities for sales and marketing campaigns and work with internal and external teams to develop initiatives that increase customer acquisition, sales, and customer retention.
- Prepare business development reports, commercial proposals, presentations, and recommendations for customers, partners, the Managing Director, and senior management.
- Negotiate commercial services, pricing, and partnership arrangements with new and existing customers and business partners within delegated authority.
- Forecast sales and business development targets and develop strategies and action plans to achieve agreed revenue and customer acquisition objectives.
- Develop opportunities for recurring, bulk, subscription, wholesale, and other commercial purchasing arrangements.
- Monitor business development performance and maintain an effective pipeline of prospective customers, partnerships, and commercial opportunities.
- Research and assess potential new geographic markets to support Chopmart’s planned expansion beyond East Sussex into other areas of the UK.
- Work closely with the Managing Director and Operations Director to assess the commercial viability of new opportunities and ensure that new business can be supported operationally.
- Prepare market and competitor analysis to support decisions regarding product expansion, customer segments, pricing opportunities, and new commercial services.
- Support the development of business development processes and, as the company grows, deliver training workshops and guidance to members of the business development and sales team.
Requirements
- Proven experience in business development, sales, commercial development, account management, or a related role.
- Experience identifying and developing new business opportunities and building long-term commercial relationships.
- Strong understanding of market research, competitor analysis, customer acquisition, and business growth strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans, establish commercial targets, and implement initiatives to achieve measurable results.
- Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills, with the ability to develop partnerships with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional business reports, proposals, and presentations.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities within changing markets and customer trends.
- Ability to analyse sales, customer, and market information and use findings to support business development decisions.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and commercially focused, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of growth initiatives.
- Experience in e-commerce, food distribution, wholesale, FMCG, retail, or a related sector would be advantageous.
- A degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, or a related discipline is desirable but not essential where equivalent relevant professional experience can be demonstrated.
Role Objective
The successful candidate will play a key role in helping Chopmart transition from a local physical grocery business into a UK wide e-commerce, wholesale, and B2B African food business. The role will combine market development, strategic relationship building, commercial opportunity identification, and revenue growth to support the company's long-term expansion strategy.
This is an opportunity to take a significant role in building new markets, developing commercial partnerships, and contributing directly to the future growth and success of Chopmart Ltd.
Pay: £38,500.00-£65,200.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Eastbourne BN21 4TR
