VANRATH are pleased to be working with an industry leading Packaging Manufacturer who looking to recruit a Sales Manager / Business Development Manager to play an integral part of our continued growth strategy.
The successful candidate will be accountable for securing new packaging business across, although not limited to, the FMCG, retail, licensed, wholesale distribution and foodservice/QSR sectors. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Sales Manager will secure and support the delivery of the company’s net sales and net profit budgeted targets on an international scale.

The Role

• Identify and build a pipeline of potential international customers to drive new business opportunities.
• Develop and nurture strong relationships with targeted prospects, converting them into profitable accounts.
• Lead key account management efforts, including joint business planning and regular updates to the Board on customer progress and opportunities.
• Execute proactive outreach (via email and phone) to both existing clients and new sales leads.
• Prepare and review customer quotes and sales orders, ensuring alignment with margin targets using internal systems (e.g. CERM).
• Create and deliver strategic sales plans and comprehensive performance reports for senior management.
• Develop compelling commercial proposals and confidently present them to clients, both new and existing.
• Achieve agreed new business KPIs through targeted development and account acquisition strategies.
• Provide accurate customer forecasts to support factory planning and supply chain operations.
• Lead pricing negotiations with clients, including managing price increase discussions when necessary.
• Represent the company at client meetings and site visits, travel across the UK, Ireland, and internationally is required.
• Handle customer inquiries directly, resolving issues with confidence and professionalism.
• Host client visits to company facilities, delivering a strong and informed customer experience.
• Gain and maintain a clear understanding of the company’s packaging and label manufacturing processes.
• Ensure accurate entry and reporting of sales data to support effective management decisions.
• Provide support coverage for colleagues during periods of absence or annual leave.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards at all times.

The Ideal Candidate

• Minimum of 5 years’ proven experience in sales, business development, and key account management roles.
• Background ideally gained within FMCG, retail, licensed products, wholesale distribution, and/or foodservice/QSR sectors.
• Strong track record in managing key national and/or international customer accounts.
• Proven ability to consistently deliver against new business acquisition targets.
• Experience in people management and performance oversight is advantageous.
• GCSE-level qualifications in Maths and English (or equivalent) are essential.
• A Levels or equivalent educational qualifications required to demonstrate academic proficiency.
• Higher education qualifications (e.g., college or university degree) are preferred but not mandatory.

Desired

• Track record in sales / BD on a global scale
• Full clean licence

• Identify and build a pipeline of potential international customers to drive new business opportunities.
• Develop and nurture strong relationships with targeted prospects, converting them into profitable accounts.
• Lead key account management efforts, including joint business planning and regular updates to the Board on customer progress and opportunities.
• Execute proactive outreach (via email and phone) to both existing clients and new sales leads.
• Prepare and review customer quotes and sales orders, ensuring alignment with margin targets using internal systems (e.g. CERM).
• Create and deliver strategic sales plans and comprehensive performance reports for senior management.
• Develop compelling commercial proposals and confidently present them to clients, both new and existing.
• Achieve agreed new business KPIs through targeted development and account acquisition strategies.
• Provide accurate customer forecasts to support factory planning and supply chain operations.
• Lead pricing negotiations with clients, including managing price increase discussions when necessary.
• Represent the company at client meetings and site visits, travel across the UK, Ireland, and internationally is required.
• Handle customer inquiries directly, resolving issues with confidence and professionalism.
• Host client visits to company facilities, delivering a strong and informed customer experience.
• Gain and maintain a clear understanding of the company’s packaging and label manufacturing processes.
• Ensure accurate entry and reporting of sales data to support effective management decisions.
• Provide support coverage for colleagues during periods of absence or annual leave.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards at all times