Pineapple Recruitment is exclusively partnered with an established client to recruit a Business Development Manager based in Southampton.
The Role: This opportunity is perfect for a proven sales professional who thrives on taking projects from initial spark to successful mobilisation. We are looking for someone with a strong background in educational catering who brings a dynamic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and a personable, consultative approach. Your commercial acumen, self-awareness, and passion for the sector will be key to building lasting partnerships and expanding our client's footprint.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Driving Growth: Take full ownership of the sales pipeline, expanding the customer base and consistently hitting annual targets.
Managing the Bid Lifecycle: Guide the complete sales process—from initial introduction to closing contract bids ranging from £50k to £2m.
Consultative Selling: Engage deeply with prospective clients to understand their unique needs, culture, and operational goals.
Tenders & Presentations: Craft compelling proposals and deliver winning tender responses, collaborating closely with industry consultants and internal teams.
Relationship Management: Build and nurture long-lasting relationships with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
Pipeline Visibility: Keep CRM systems up to date to ensure accurate reporting and clear pipeline forecasting.
What You’ll Bring:
Industry Expertise: A proven track record of sales success within the educational catering sector, paired with a strong understanding of client buying behaviours.
Full-Cycle Experience: Hands-on experience managing the complete sales journey, from lead generation to contract closure.
Master Communicator: Exceptional listening, negotiation, and presentation skills—able to influence decision-makers at all levels, from School Business Managers to C-suite executives.
Brand Ambassador: The ability to clearly articulate the unique value of the service offering, positioning it distinctively against competitors.
Team Player: A collaborative mindset, working seamlessly across internal departments to streamline bids and maximise success.
What’s in It for You?
Competitive base salary of £55,000 to £65,000 per annum
Generous Car Allowance + Commission
Comprehensive Benefits: Private Healthcare, Life Insurance, Company Pension, Family-Friendly Leave policies
Great Time Off: 5 weeks annual leave + Bank Holidays + an extra day off for your Birthday!
Career Growth: Join a fast-growing, ambitious company with no ceiling on where you can take your career.
If of interest, please apply for a confidential discussion. Pineapple Recruitment Ltd is recruiting for this role on behalf of our client and is acting as a Preferred Recruitment Agency on an exclusive basis.
Location Southampton, United Kingdom
Salary £55000 - £65000 Per Annum
Job Reference REF2986
Contract Type Permanent
Posted on Posted on 21 July 2026
Category Contract Catering