Business Development Representative

Job Title: Business Development Representative

Company: New Forest Ice Cream 

Location: Southern England 

Salary: £27000 - £35000 + Commission

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

---

About Us:

New Forest Ice Cream is a family-owned business, known for producing high-quality ice cream with a commitment to craftsmanship and exceptional taste. Since 1983, we have grown into a respected brand, offering a range of delicious ice cream products to customers across the UK. We are now seeking a driven and dynamic Business Development Manager to join our team, focusing on expanding our presence in the Foodservice, Hospitality, and Retail sectors.

Job Summary:

As the Business Development Representative, you will play a key role in driving the growth of New Forest Ice Cream within your assigned region, specifically targeting the foodservice, hospitality, and retail sectors. Your primary responsibility will be to identify new business opportunities, build strong relationships with key decision-makers, and develop strategies to increase market penetration. You will work with a diverse client base, including pubs, restaurants, hotels, cafes, theatres, and retailers, to promote our premium products and expand our brand's reach.

Key Responsibilities:

New Business Development:

Proactively seek out and engage potential clients within the foodservice, hospitality, and retail sectors. Identify opportunities to introduce New Forest Ice Cream to new markets and build long-lasting partnerships.

Sales Strategy:

Develop and implement a business development strategy aimed at achieving and surpassing sales targets. Tailor your approach to suit the unique needs of clients in different sectors.

Client Relationships:

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as restaurant chains, independent hotels, cafes, wholesalers, and retailers. Understand their needs and provide solutions that align with New Forest Ice Cream’s offerings.

Market Expansion:

Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activity, and potential opportunities. Use these insights to develop strategic plans for expanding the brand’s presence in target sectors.

Product Knowledge:

Provide in-depth product knowledge to clients, offering guidance on product selection, seasonal promotions, and menu planning. Organize product tastings and demonstrations to showcase the unique quality of our ice cream.

Negotiation & Contracts:

Lead negotiations with new clients, securing contracts and agreements that ensure mutual benefit and long-term business success.

Collaboration:

Work closely with the sales, marketing, and operations teams to ensure alignment on goals, product availability, and promotional activities.

Reporting:

Maintain accurate records of sales activities, customer interactions, and forecasts. Provide regular reports to senior management on sales performance, pipeline development, and market trends.

Qualifications & Skills:

·        Proven track record in business development or sales, ideally within the foodservice, hospitality, or FMCG industries.

·        Strong knowledge of the foodservice, hospitality, and retail sectors, with existing contacts being a significant advantage.

·        Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence key decision-makers.

·        Self-motivated, target-driven, and capable of working independently.

·        Strategic thinker with the ability to identify new market opportunities and develop long-term growth plans.

·        Ability to manage multiple projects and accounts simultaneously.

·        Full UK driving licence essential and willingness to travel regularly within the region.

What We Offer:

·        A performance-based commission structure.

·        Company car, laptop, and phone.

·        Pension scheme and company benefits.

·        Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

·        The chance to work with a premium brand in a supportive and collaborative environment.