Business Development Manager

West Country Milk Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional dairy supplier is seeking a high-energy Business Development Manager to drive growth in the UK market. This key role requires managing the sales process end-to-end and building strong relationships with clients in hospitality and retail sectors. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in sales and business development, exceptional communication skills, and a drive for success. Competitive salary and benefits including a company car, performance-related bonus, and more offered for this role based in Exeter with travel across the region.

Benefits

Competitive basic salary

Performance-related bonus structure

Company car or car allowance

Laptop & phone

Company pension

6-month probation period

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development or sales roles.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage a fast-moving sales pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new business opportunities.
• Manage the full sales cycle for new accounts.
• Build strong relationships with customers.

Skills

Business development

Field sales

Account management

Communication skills

Data analysis

Organization

Negotiation skills

Tools

Excel

Job description

About Us

West Country Milk is a leading regional supplier of dairy and foodservice products, committed to quality, outstanding customer service, and supporting local farmers. We work closely with hospitality, catering and retail customers across the region, providing reliable delivery, competitive pricing and a tailored service that helps our clients thrive.

The Role

We are looking for a high‑energy, self‑motivated Business Development Manager to drive growth across the UK. This is a key commercial role focused on generating new business, strengthening customer relationships, and identifying opportunities to expand our footprint in the market.

You will represent West Country Milk with professionalism, enthusiasm and a solutions‑led mindset — qualities that we have historically prioritised when hiring for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, target and secure new business opportunities across hospitality, catering, retail and other relevant sectors.
• Manage the full sales cycle: prospecting, calling, meetings, proposals and closing.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships with new and existing customers.
• Maintain a healthy sales pipeline and consistently achieve revenue and activity targets.
• Conduct site visits and customer meetings to understand operational needs.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams (operations, customer service, management) to ensure smooth onboarding and exceptional service delivery.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and customer needs to identify strategic opportunities.
• Produce regular sales reports, forecasts and performance updates.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• When not travelling, must work from Exeter head office base, this is not a remote working role
• Proven experience in business development, field sales, or account management.
• Strong communication skills — confident, articulate, and persuasive.
• High level of energy and drive (this has historically been critical to success in the BDM role).
• Ability to manage a fast‑moving sales pipeline and work independently.
• Excellent organisation, planning and follow‑through.
• A proactive approach to identifying and winning new business.
• Excellent data analysis skills, likely with an advanced knowledge of Excel

Desirable

• Experience in foodservice, FMCG, distribution or related sectors.
• Knowledge of hospitality, retail and catering markets.
• Experience presenting commercial proposals and negotiating pricing.

Personal Attributes

• Self‑starter with a positive, resilient attitude.
• Exceptionally customer‑focused.
• Confident in representing the company externally.
• Strong problem‑solver with a solutions‑driven mindset.
• Professional but personable — someone who can build rapport quickly.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive basic salary
• Performance‑related bonus structure
• Company car or car allowance
• Laptop & phone
• Company pension
• 6‑month probation period

Location

Exeter‑based, with regular travel across the region to meet customers.