The Animal People are proud to be partnering once again with a long-standing and highly respected premium raw dog food brand to recruit a Business Development Manager for the South of England.
This is a standout opportunity to join a well-established business at a genuine point of momentum, with a strong product range, loyal independent retail following, and clear ambitions for sustainable growth across the UK.
You'll take ownership of a high-potential Southern territory, working with existing independent accounts while opening new doors and strengthening the brand's presence in the market.
Salary: £40,000 base + bonus
Benefits: Car allowance | 25 days holiday + bank holidays
Location: Field-based, South of England (with travel to HQ in East Sussex)
Why this role will excite the right person
- You'll inherit a brand already stocked in circa 500 independent pet stores, with significant opportunity to optimise range, visibility and rate of sale.
- You'll have the autonomy to win new business while developing existing accounts through a structured, data-led approach.
- You'll work with a business that values long-term relationships, accountability and doing things properly.
- You'll represent a premium, higher-end raw brand with strong product credentials and a loyal customer base.
- Winning new independent pet retail accounts across the South of England.
- Developing existing customers by increasing range, improving visibility and driving rate of sale.
- Delivering store days, tastings and product education to support conversion and brand loyalty.
- Using sales data to prioritise activity and identify growth opportunities across your territory.
- Representing the brand at industry events and building authentic, long-term retailer relationships.
- Proven experience in territory sales or business development (pet, FMCG or specialist retail environments).
- Confidence building relationships within the independent retail channel.
- A commercial, organised and self-motivated approach - you enjoy owning and building a territory.
- A values-led, people-focused mindset (no hard sell or volume-at-any-cost approach).
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own car (car allowance provided).
