Business Development Manager

Technical Paper Products Business 
c£60,000 plus exceptional package including uncapped commission plus profit share bonus.
Remote working with UK and some European travel. Exceptional prospects

This is a fantastic, newly created opportunity to join a very forward-looking, very well-established business in a highly commercial Business Development Management role.

Driven by growth, and with existing, profitable clients/accounts to manage from day one, this is a chance to help this business attain even greater success as they embrace ever greater sustainability both in their product ranges and markets they serve, but also in their internal operations, culture and forward vision.

In an age where sustainability has shifted from aspiration to obligation, this business stands apart as a true innovator, quietly transforming the world of materials through advanced science, ethical practice, and visionary engineering. It is a highly ethical company with a clear mission: to create next-generation technologies that perform better, look better, and crucially, tread more lightly on the planet.

From precision paper and coating products to New Product Development, consultancy services and JV R&D projects, their products are redefining what’s possible in the packaging and labelling sector. The business works with leading global brands to replace traditional plastics with paper-based, recyclable and renewable solutions that retain performance without compromise. Each new development represents a step toward a cleaner, more circular economy, where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.

Sustainability is not a department here; it’s the DNA of the organisation. Every process, from material sourcing to manufacturing efficiency, is guided by rigorous environmental goals and a genuine desire to leave a positive legacy. The company’s R&D teams collaborate closely with customers and suppliers to design smarter materials, barrier coatings, pressure-sensitive labels and speciality laminates, that deliver both technical excellence and environmental impact reduction.

This is an organisation that invests in its people and its planet in equal measure. They have fostered a deep sense of pride, purpose and partnership, while long-term decision-making ensures every innovation contributes to a sustainable future. As demand for eco-friendly materials accelerates worldwide, the company is expanding its commercial team, and the opportunity ahead is extraordinary.

They are now seeking a Business Development Manager to help lead this next chapter of growth. Entrepreneurial, driven, and commercially astute, you’ll join a team where innovation, ethics and opportunity intersect. This is a role with significant autonomy, flexible working, and uncapped earning potential, the chance to shape the future of sustainable materials while building lasting partnerships across the UK and beyond.

About the Role

A newly-created, customer-facing sales and account management position responsible for the management of existing clients/accounts, generating new business growth and further developing existing relationships in line with short, medium, and long-term strategic plans. 

The appointee will take a high degree of autonomy in the management, development and leadership of their key markets, but with the full support of the Board and technology functions across this global business.

The successful candidate will design, develop and implement clear strategies to profitably expand the sales in their markets, and beyond. They will be tasked with the management of new and existing customers to achieve the agreed profitability and sales targets as well as the on-going performance.

But this is not a stand-still role. The appointee will be on a set succession planning strategy to broaden their role and see it develop. Opportunities are as uncapped as the appointee’s aspiration, and earnings.

Core Focus

  • To generate new business through the sale of new and existing products from the core paper products Business Unit into new and existing markets.
  • Development of sales into new markets through the creation of strategic alliances with customers and channel partners.
  • Maintain existing core business at established accounts through robust and professional account management.
  • Act as a flexible, market-responsive sales professional, promoting the business in all internal and external environments.

Main Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Focus

  • In-depth understanding of the current product portfolio.
  • Detailed knowledge of technical and operational capability.
  • Expertise in developing and building new relationships with customers, distributors, and agents.
  • Work to Company Values.

Key Tasks

  • Implement strategy and drive sales to achieve targets and fuel future growth.
  • Deliver budgeted volumes, revenue, and margin for defined territories/customer portfolios.
  • Achieve sales targets at defined Strategic Development Accounts.
  • Maintain customer payment overdues within targeted levels.
  • Maintain accurate monthly forecasts for expected sales in line with company processes.
  • Contribute to annual budgeting and strategy reviews.
  • Achieve budgeted levels of added-value sales through existing and new product development.
  • Identify current and future market opportunities and feed product ideas into the new development pipeline.
  • Educate technical and product development functions on customer and market requirements.
  • Keep abreast of competitor activity and technically driven market developments.
  • Maintain and update Market Maps.

Project Management

  • Become an expert in the UK and ultimately European market.
  • Build in-depth knowledge of internal production capabilities and capacity models.
  • Steer, review, and drive development projects in line with business priorities.
  • Utilise established Product Development Techniques (QFD, Stage Gate, etc.).
  • Demonstrate strong people skills to project-manage new product evolution.

Performance Metrics

  • Volume, revenue, and material margin.
  • Delivery against SMART objectives.
  • Delivery against project management goals.

Key Competencies

  • Strategic thinking and innovation.
  • Commercial awareness.
  • Planning and delivering results.
  • Building effective working relationships, internally and externally.
  • Effective communication and influencing.
  • Technical competence and networking ability with technology suppliers supporting the strategic plan.

The Person

  • Demonstrated field sales experience with proven new business generation skills.
  • Excellent communication at all organisational levels.
  • Comfortable leading cross-functional teams and making field-based decisions.
  • Self-starter with strong commercial awareness, credibility, and presence.
  • Resourceful, self-sufficient, and results-oriented.
  • Highly motivated and able to motivate others.
  • Proven IT proficiency.
  • Complete flexibility to travel in line with new customer and market requirements.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Experience in field sales or business development.
  • Proven track record in generating new business.
  • Excellent communication skills.

Desirable

  • Background in paper coating or pressure-sensitive labelstock markets.
  • Experience in print technologies.

Technical Skills & Abilities

  • Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken.
  • Working knowledge of basic chemistry.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office packages.
  • Strong presentation and project management skills.
  • Advanced Excel skills (desirable).

Qualifications

  • Relevant degree.

Values

To operate as a sustainable, employee-owned business:

  • A progressive approach to safety and the environment.
  • Open and honest communication.
  • Rewarding and recognising success.
  • Fulfilling customer needs with integrity and innovation.
  • Continuous improvement of products and processes.
  • Effective development and training of employees.
  • Teamwork, openness and long-term responsibility.

A rare opportunity to join a pioneering, values-led organisation shaping the next generation of sustainable materials, where every success helps build a cleaner, smarter, more responsible future.

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