Business Development Manager (Educational Catering)

Business Development Manager (Educational Catering)

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum + Car Allowance + Paid Mileage + Uncapped Commission

Location: Field-Based (Covering South East / South West regions)

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours per week)

The Opportunity

Pineapple Recruitment is proud to partner with a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food to recruit two high-performing Business Development Managers. Our client does not just serve meals—they create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds. By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest food trends, they encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen.

To support the rapid expansion of their business, we are seeking two proven, dynamic sales professionals with a strong background in educational catering. Location is flexible across the South East or South West—candidates can be based anywhere within key territories including Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset, or the South West corridor (including Cornwall), with occasional client engagement in London. Both positions can be based in the same region, provided these primary geographical patches are effectively covered.

This role offers complete ownership of the sales journey—from initial lead generation right through to successful contract mobilisation. It is the perfect fit for a commercially minded self-starter who excels at building lasting relationships and winning new business across regional territories.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Regional Growth: Take end-to-end ownership of the sales pipeline across assigned South East and South West patches, targeting educational contracts ranging from £50k to £2m to consistently exceed annual growth targets.

• Tender & Bid Management: Lead the full bid lifecycle, crafting compelling proposals and delivering high-impact client presentations in collaboration with internal operational teams and industry consultants.

• Consultative Selling: Build strong, trust-based relationships with key decision-makers (including School Business Managers, Headteachers, and Governors), uncovering unique client requirements to position tailored catering solutions.

• Territory Strategy: Strategically navigate client visits and site meetings across regional patches (spanning Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset, South West/Cornwall, and London).

• CRM & Reporting: Maintain accurate sales pipeline reporting and tracking within the company CRM to provide clear visibility for executive leadership.

Skills & Experience Required

• Sector Expertise: Proven track record in B2B sales or business development specifically within the educational contract catering sector.

• Full Sales Journey: Demonstrable experience managing the entire pipeline—from cold lead generation and networking through to bid completion and client onboarding.

• Territory Mobility: A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across regional sites (South East / South West / London).

• Communication & Influence: Exceptional presentation, listening, and negotiation skills with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders.

• Team Collaboration: A collaborative mindset with a track record of working seamlessly alongside operational and culinary teams to ensure smooth mobilisations.

What’s On Offer

• Financial Package: Basic salary of up to £65,000 per annum, supplemented by a generous car allowance and a lucrative commission structure.

• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, plus an extra paid day off to celebrate your birthday!

• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Healthcare Scheme, Life Insurance, and family-friendly leave policies.

• Career Growth: Join one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent businesses with zero ceiling on long-term career progression and access to funded professional qualifications.

Note: Because this role involves working directly within school environments, the successful candidate must share a commitment to safeguarding and will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Pineapple Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy.