VACANCY: Business Development Manager (Food Industry)

This is a hands-on, customer-facing role for a commercially driven individual who enjoys opening doors, building partnerships and delivering sustainable sales growth. The successful candidate will focus on growing our presence within garden centers, farm shops and delis as well as speciality retailers, cafés, gift shops, convenience chains and online retailers, helping establish Karimix as a must-stock brand within the premium food and gifting sector.

About Us

At Karimix we unlock the fusion and eclectic flavours of Asia and beyond, with a wide range of award-winning paste, cooking sauces, marinades and chutneys. Karimix is a BRCGS AA grade accredited food manufacturer which takes pride in using only the finest ingredients to produce products that always deliver on flavour. We produce a range of certified vegan and vegetarian products under our own label as well as through contract manufacturing. Karimix is part of the Olidor Group which also includes other food manufacturing and distribution businesses

What You’ll Be Doing

• Proactively prospecting and winning new retail accounts
• Building a strong pipeline and consistently closing deals
• Farming accounts on a monthly basis
• Leveraging existing industry contacts to accelerate growth
• Identifying customer needs and tailoring compelling solutions
• Negotiating listings, promotions, and distribution agreements
• Working closely with marketing to maximise in-store and seasonal opportunities (especially gifting)
• Representing the brand at trade shows and industry events

What We’re Looking For

• Proven track record in FMCG sales/business development (food & drink highly desirable)
• Strong existing network within UK retail (independent + regional chains)
• Demonstrated ability to “hit the ground running” and deliver results quickly
• A natural hunter mindset, resilient, proactive, and target-driven
• Commercially astute: able to spot gaps, uncover pain points, and convert them into sales
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Self-starter with high energy and accountability

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience selling into farm shops, garden centres, gifting or premium food retail
• Knowledge of seasonal/gifting product cycles
• Background in challenger brands or scaling SME food businesses
• Strong storytelling ability, you can sell a brand, not just a product

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Opportunity to play a key role in scaling a growing UK food brand
• High autonomy and real ownership of your territory
• Competitive salary, with an additional bonus/commission structure available after successful completion your probationary period.
• Car allowance
• Workplace pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave including Bank & Public Holidays (increasing by 1 day after 1, 3 and 5 years service) plus paid time off between Christmas and New Year
• Wellbeing programme with Employee Assistance Programme and virtual GP service
• Health cash plan including optical cover
• Dental cash plan
• Employee Referral Scheme - £250 bonus for recommending a friend
• Employee Recognition Programmes including the OGG Awards for Olidor Group Greatness
• Free parking
• Discount scheme

Pay: £45,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Faversham ME13 9SD

Apply here