Sales Manager / Business Development Manager

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

 

Sales Manager / Business Development Manager

Job ref: AZ/64929

Industry: Chemical Distribution

Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience) + bonus + benefits

Location: Remote (UK-based) with regular travel

 

Ideal Candidate Profile:

This role suits a self-starter who thrives in a growth environment and enjoys building something from scratch. You are commercially sharp, resilient, and motivated by long-term progression into a
leadership role.

 

Role Overview:

· We are seeking an ambitious and commercially driven Sales Manager / Business Development Manager to join a growing chemical distribution business. This is a high-impact, autonomous role focused on developing new business from the ground up, with a clear progression path into team leadership as the division expands.
· The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, securing, and growing new customer relationships across high-quality raw materials for the nutraceutical industry and nutritious ingredients sector, that support the health and well-being of humans and animals.

 

Key Responsibilities:

· Identify and develop new business opportunities within target markets
· Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospects, converting leads into long-term customers
· Develop strategic account plans and grow revenue within newly acquired clients
· Conduct regular customer visits (2–3 days per week on the road) to build relationships and understand technical/commercial needs
· Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and supply agreements
· Work closely with suppliers and internal teams to align product offering with market demand
· Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities
· Provide regular sales forecasts and performance reports
· Contribute to the development of sales processes, CRM usage, and go-to-market strategies

 

Future Scope:

· Build and lead a sales team as the business grows
· Mentor and manage junior sales professionals
· Take ownership of a defined business unit or product portfolio
· Contribute to strategic planning and expansion into new markets

 

Requirements:

· Proven track record in sales or business development within the chemical distribution or related industry
· Strong understanding of B2B sales processes and technical product selling
· Experience developing new business (“hunter” mindset)
· Ability to work independently in a remote environment
· Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
· Willingness to travel regularly (2–3 days per week)
· Full UK driving license

 

Desirable:

· Existing network within relevant chemical sectors
· Technical or scientific background (e.g. chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science)
· Experience of working with international suppliers

 

What’s on Offer:

· Competitive base salary (£50k–£65k) with performance-related bonus
· Remote working flexibility
· Car allowance
· Opportunity to build and shape a new business area
· Clear pathway to leadership and team management

 

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.

If you wish to apply for this position and have further details, please email your full CV and salary information to:

Andy Zanin – Business Director
T: +44 (0) 1789 207070
E: andy.zanin@listgrove.com

 

Why select Listgrove?
· Five Decades of Market Intelligence
· Unrivalled Industry Networks
· Recognised International brand
· HR Qualified Professionals

To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.

 

Please visit www.listgrove.com for more information on our services, global success and testimonials.

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