Business Development Manager

Business Development ManagerTerritory: East Midlands & Home CountiesSector: Manufactured Packaging SolutionsPackage: Basic annual salary up to £55,000 (dependent on experience), plus bonus (OTE £16k), Company Car/Allowance, healthcare & company benefits  About Us Suttons Performance Packaging (A E Sutton Ltd), now part of Macfarlane Group—the UK’s largest packaging distributor—has been a market leader in the design and manufacture of bespoke protective packaging for over 60 years. We are seeking an experienced sales professional to join our team and drive growth in the East Midlands, and Home Counties.  The Business Development Manager Opportunity As a Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for expanding sales of bespoke packaging solutions. This role involves identifying and developing new customers requiring specialist bespoke packaging in the Aerospace, Defence, Electronics and Medical Equipment sectors. Additional business from current customers and opportunities working with our sister Distribution division provide a further source of new business. Success in this position hinges on your ability to network within our group and collaborate with internal stakeholders to generate new sales through design, innovation and great service.   You will engage in a dual approach: championing our products within the group to gain referrals and independently identifying and targeting new prospects. Typical sales cycles range from 3-6 months, requiring you to build and maintain a robust sales pipeline.  Business Development Manager Key Responsibilities 
Lead Contact: Serve as the primary contact for new sales enquiries in the region.
Product Expertise: Develop a comprehensive understanding of our manufacturing capability and the innovative solutions we can provide.
Demand Creation: Generate territory growth in line with targets.
Networking: Act as the product champion within the group, liaising with distribution sites to foster awareness and secure buy-in, leading to customer referrals.
Internal Support: Assist colleagues with training, sales visits, product design, demonstrations, and customer application support.
Consultative Sales: Use a consultative approach to analyse and solve customer problems, presenting tailored solutions.
Customer Relationships: Build trusted advisor relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
Innovation Support: Collaborate with our design team on new product design and innovation.

Do you have the following? We are looking for a candidate with a genuinely demonstrable and strong track record in solution selling. Experience selling a technical product or application-based solution is preferred, though not essential as training is provided. Key skills include: 
Strong presentation, customer-facing, and influencing skills
Excellent commercial acumen and problem-solving abilities
Full valid UK driving license
Residing within a 60-mile radius of our manufacturing site in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire

What you get We offer a competitive salary with bonus and benefits, including: 
23 days annual leave (rising to 27 days with service) plus public holidays
Contributory pension scheme
Company Car
BUPA cover for qualifying roles
Extensive training, development, and progression opportunities

Macfarlane Group is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. If you require support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team.  How to Apply This is an urgent appointment, and we aim to identify and review the best candidates swiftly. First stage interviews are often conducted via video, supporting hybrid working where possible.   To apply, click ‘apply’ and ensure your CV is up to date. We acknowledge all applications, with shortlisted candidates typically hearing from us within a week or two. If you do not hear from us within 2-3 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.     NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE