Senior Business Development Manager

For the UK subsidiary of a Maison de caviar established in Paris in 1920. This is a family-owned company with a strong ethos that has built a very recognisable luxury brand. They are now supplying the entire world with the finest fine foods, from caviar to smoked salmon, fish roes, vodkas, and fine épicerie, to name a few.

The UK subsidiary was launched 7 years ago and has introduced its products to some of the country's best restaurants, many Michelin-starred restaurants, and 5-star hotels in London. It also retails at Harrods, and the Maison has opened its own boutique and restaurant in London.

They are now looking for a Senior Business Development Manager.

The role will report directly to the UK Country Manager.

Your main responsability will be to establish relationships with major prospects in the hospitality industry and to lead to the acquisition of new, loyal clients.

Essential Functions:

• Identify new leads and manage existing accounts
• Research the best point of contact, make initial contact and arrange meetings/ presentation
• Establish and build strong client relationships by delivering outstanding service and support
• Monitor competitive activity within accounts
• Formulate and communicate appropriate response strategies
• Networking at high-profile events and trade shows to increase brand exposure and establish contact with potential prospects

Qualifications:
• 5 years of B2B sales experience in the food industry, ideally in the gourmet sector
• Experience of caviar is a plus
• Portfolio of existing contacts in the hospitality industry (chefs, 5-star hotels, high-end retailers etc.)

Requirements:
• Passionate and knowledgeable about Fine food
• Strong communication skills.
• We are looking for an excellent communicator with strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• You won't be afraid to pick up the phone and cold call prospects and follow up on leads.
• Excellent presentation to keep in line with the high-end profile of the brand
• Integrity
• Ability to multitask and to be hands-on within a small team.
• This is a very small team that sometimes requires everyone to pitch in at all levels.
• An excellent command of English
• French would be a plus

Benefits:
• Very competitive basic salary and bonus
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays,
• Generous pension, Oyster card, phone and laptop
• Full immersion in France for 1 week to learn all about philosophy and products + visit production sites

This role is an amazing opportunity to experience some of the most exclusive restaurants and hotels in the country.