Business Development Manager

Location: Office-based or hybrid working available depending on location and experience

Department: Business Development

Report to: Head of Business Development

Role: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £30k – £36k DOE + Bonus Opportunities

About the Role
We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Business Development Manager to help grow strategic partnerships and supplier relationships across the Federation.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, creating innovative commercial campaigns, and delivering real value for both partners and independent retailers.

Working across print, digital, events, and insight platforms, the successful candidate will play a key role in driving revenue growth while supporting the Federation’s mission to help independent retailers thrive.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for your clients, providing proactive and professional account management.
• Create innovative and commercially impactful campaigns using the Federation’s print, digital, event, and insight platforms.
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing partners while actively seeking new business opportunities.
• Understand the convenience sector and independent retailers’ needs to identify opportunities that deliver value for both suppliers and members.
• Collaborate with other departments, including Marketing, Communications, and Finance, to ensure timely delivery of agreed activities and campaigns.
• Travel to events, activations, and trade shows to strengthen new and existing relationships.
• Work with internal teams to ensure accurate invoicing, reporting, and campaign tracking.
• Arrange, plan, and schedule Fed Talks sessions, coordinating with relevant departments and suppliers to ensure effective delivery and engagement.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in sales and business development.
• Self-motivated and resilient, with the ability to adapt in a fast-moving environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Professional, collaborative, and relationship-focused, with high levels of integrity and accountability.
• Proven track record of driving income through strong, collaborative relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, client-focused service.
• Creative, innovative, and enthusiastic with the ability to inspire and motivate stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the retail/FMCG sectors.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to identify and convert new commercial opportunities.
• Confident in presenting plans to audiences of varying sizes and seniority.
• Competent in budget management and financial reporting.
• IT literate, with strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within FMCG, retail, media, events, or membership organisations.
• Experience in sponsorship, advertising, or commercial partnerships.
• Experience using CRM systems for account and project management.

Send your CV and cover letter to Chris Turford at chris.turford@nfrn.org.uk.