Business Development Manager: Food Industry

Job Title, Summary & Reporting LineCLS is seeking a Business Development Manager - Food & Beverage to identify new business opportunities, expand market presence, and strengthen client partnerships within the food and beverage sector. This role will focus on driving revenue growth through strategic business development, cross-selling of services, and building long-term client relationships across food production, processing, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality markets. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food and beverage industry requirements, quality standards, and laboratory services, coupled with a proven ability to deliver commercial success. The position will require regular travel to client sites nationally and to our head office in Galway. What’s Important

• Proven track record of sales growth within the food and beverage or laboratory services industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, quality assurance requirements, and industry trends.
• Results-driven with excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

The RoleSales Growth & Strategy

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities within the food and beverage market.
• Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline through research, networking, and targeted outreach.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Director and Marketing team to develop strategies that drive revenue growth across food production and manufacturing sectors.
• Use CRM tools to manage the sales funnel, track performance, and report key metrics.
• Prepare tailored proposals, quotations, and tender submissions for prospective clients.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial terms that align with company goals and client requirements.
• Conduct market research to monitor competitors, emerging technologies, and industry developments.
• Represent CLS at industry conferences, trade exhibitions, and client meetings within the food and beverage sector.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships by understanding their food safety, quality testing, and compliance needs.
• Serve as the primary commercial contact for food and beverage clients.
• Conduct regular client meetings to review performance, identify opportunities for additional services, and ensure client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with internal laboratory and technical teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Provide market insights and feedback to leadership to inform strategic decisions and service development.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a business development, technical sales, or account management role, preferably within the food and beverage, laboratory services, or related industry.
• Knowledge of public procurement processes and tender preparation is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrated success in achieving sales targets and developing new client accounts.

Who You Are

• A proactive sales professional with a passion for business growth.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Client-focused with the ability to develop trust-based relationships.
• Highly organized, efficient, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• A confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.