Business Development Manager – Food Ingredients

About the role

This is a permanent, full‑time position based in Waterford, supporting the rapid expansion of a leading food manufacturing business’s ingredients division. You will be responsible for growing a premium ingredient portfolio across Ireland, the UK and Europe, building new B2B relationships and shaping commercial strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Drive sales growth and business development across Ireland, the UK and European markets.
• Identify and develop new B2B customer relationships in food manufacturing, pet food, foodservice, retail and ingredient sectors.
• Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting and presentations through negotiation, closing and account management.
• Provide technical and commercial product support to customers.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities.
• Collaborate with Technical, Quality, Production and Operations teams to deliver customer‑focused solutions.
• Support forecasting, budgeting and long‑term commercial planning.
• Represent the business at customer meetings, trade events and exhibitions across Europe.
• Travel extensively throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe to develop relationships and support growth initiatives.

Required profile

• Proven business development or sales experience within food manufacturing, food ingredients or foodservice sectors.
• Strong understanding of ingredients such as proteins, flavourings, extracts, stocks, broths and seasonings.
• Track record of delivering sales growth and securing new business opportunities.
• Existing industry network is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel extensively across the region.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Significant autonomy to shape the commercial success of a fast‑growing product category.
• Opportunity to join a well‑established organisation during an exciting period of expansion.
• Supportive environment with cross‑functional collaboration.