About us:
Veetee is an ambient foods and rice company, a major supplier to retailers, wholesalers, and other food manufacturing businesses. We have two factories and three warehouses in Rochester, Kent, one manufacturing site in India and a Sales & Distribution team in the USA.
Job Purpose:
The Senior Business Development Manager - Europe will be a key player in our expansion strategy, responsible for launching and developing our business presence across the European market. This role offers a unique opportunity to build a new business unit from the ground up, with the potential to grow into the head of Europe Business Unit as we achieve our growth objectives.
Responsibilities:
* Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to establish and grow the Europe Business Unit.
* Identify and cultivate new business strategies and growth drivers and develop winning growth plans aligned to customer strategic imperatives.
* Understand customer business strategies and growth drivers and develop winning growth plans aligned to customer strategic imperatives.
* Oversee all aspects of business operations in Europe, including logistics, supply chain management, and distribution.
* Liaise regularly with senior management to ensure alignment of business strategies, goals and reporting.
* Lead the Joint business planning, negotiate cost price changes, distribution, shelf positioning, promotional activities to build the brand within the customer portfolio.
* Monitor and report on market developments, competitive activity, and potential business risks, providing insights and recommendations to senior management.
* Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to promote brand awareness and build professional networks.
* Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for the European business unit.
* Any other reasonable duties, responsibility or requests that may be issued by management from time to time.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:
* Experience in a Senior Business Development or Sales role, such as Business Development Manager, Sales Director, or Head of Business Development within the Food or FMCG industry.
* Proven experience in developing and executing strategies to enter and grow new markets, particularly in Europe.
* Extensive experience working in European markets, with a strong understanding of regional market dynamics, consumer preferences, cultural nuances, and regulatory environments.
* Minimum 8+ years of industry experience.
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
* MBA or equivalent is beneficial.
* Multilingual proficiency with fluency in English and at least two other European language (e.g. French, German, Spanish or Italian) is highly desirable.
* Strong commercial acumen.
* Ability to manage relationships at all levels within the business and with customers.
* Excellent communication, presentation, influencing and negotiation skills.
* Pro-active starter and finisher.
* Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to problem solving and decision making.
* Must be enthusiastic, resilient, tenacious and persuasive with excellent communication skills and a strong customer focus.
* Responds positively to changing business priorities.
* Keeps calm under pressure.
* Willingness to travel extensively across Europe as needed.
Benefits:
* Health care cash plan.
* Car allowance.
* 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
* Discretionary Company Bonus.
* Company Pension and Life Insurance.
* Referral Programme.
* Store discount.