BDM - Food Packaging

Strategic Business Development Manager – Food Packaging

Location: Europe (home based)
Sector: Food Packaging / FMCG / Manufacturing
Package: Competitive salary + bonus + benefits

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a major international food packaging business that is investing heavily in growth across Europe and beyond. As part of that strategy, we are looking for a highly driven Strategic Business Development Manager to identify, open and win new global accounts within the food manufacturing, FMCG and retail sectors. 

This is a genuine hunter role. Your focus will be on creating opportunities from scratch, penetrating new markets, engaging senior decision makers and securing long-term, high-value commercial partnerships. Existing account management is handled elsewhere – your job is to win the business.

What You'll Be Doing

• Identify and secure new strategic accounts across food manufacturing, FMCG, retail and related supply chains. 
• Develop and execute a structured prospecting and territory plan. [Candidate...nt Manager | PDF]
• Generate opportunities through cold outreach, LinkedIn, networking, industry events and referrals.
• Build relationships with procurement, operations, supply chain, sustainability and senior leadership stakeholders. 
• Lead the entire sales process from first contact through to negotiation and contract award. 
• Work alongside technical, product and operational teams to develop tailored customer solutions.
• Sell on value, including sustainability, innovation, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities across the sector. 

What We're Looking For

You will be a commercially driven, ambitious salesperson who thrives on winning new business and opening doors that others cannot. 

We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate:

• A proven track record of securing new business and opening strategic accounts. 
• Experience selling into food packaging, FMCG, manufacturing or a related B2B environment.
• Strong prospecting, networking and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing complex, consultative sales cycles involving multiple stakeholders. 
• Confidence engaging and negotiating at senior executive level.
• High levels of resilience, persistence and self-motivation.
• The ability to work autonomously and create opportunities without heavy structure or direction.
• A driven, competitive mindset with a passion for winning and exceeding targets. 

The Ideal Profile

This role would suit a true hunter who:

• Enjoys building business from a cold start.
• Is highly competitive, energetic and results-focused. 
• Is comfortable operating internationally and across multiple regions. 
• Can influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex buying structures. 
• Has the drive to pursue large strategic opportunities and see them through to close. 

Why Join?

• Play a key role in shaping the future growth of a global market leader. 
• Win and develop some of the world's largest food manufacturing and retail accounts. 
• Work within a business focused on innovation, sustainability and long-term partnerships. 
• Enjoy the autonomy to build your own pipeline and make a tangible commercial impact.

If you're a high-performing new business professional looking to make your mark on a global stage, we'd like to hear from you.