Business Development Manager

Job content

Are you ready to join an international company that is focused on creating sustainable products for foodservice and airline industries?

Probably at some point in your life you traveled on the plane & ordered some food or went to your nearby takeout place to buy a salad for lunch. In this case, you might have seen deSter products and didn’t even know it. A lot of people don’t realize that packaging world can be exciting, but it is more than that, especially when it comes to food. deSter is unique in its industry because we design and manufacture packaging as well as some additional complimentary products such as amenity kits, airplane trolleys & condiment packs. Our purpose is to create sustainable food and travel experiences and we need you on this journey.

If you want to be a part of a company that strives to create a better future and change how we look at food packaging, you are in the right place.

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Are you a packaging and design lover with a true hunting mentality who can excel in selling sustainable products within the Foodservice market? Do you want to make a difference for our customers by helping them to be on trend and stand out in their markets through selling Compostable, Recyclable and Reusable product solutions? Then come and join our deSter Foodservice team!

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​We are looking for a Business Development Manager who will be responsible for generating new sales opportunities and promoting sustainability initiatives within the North-Western Europe region.

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​With us you will have the unique opportunity to achieve ambitious goals, while enjoying a balanced mix between strategic lead identification, selling, and implementing new business. As an example, you will be in contact with large foodservice brands and international beverage labels. But also, with the organizers of large festivals and mega sports events. The goal is clear: to stimulate the growth of our innovative and sustainable packaging products. We need you for that!

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​Your activities in a nutshell: market research and analysis of market trends and customer needs, identifying and approaching potential customers, negotiating collaborations/contracts, managing existing accounts, and actively collaborating with the deStudio, Customer Support, Business Support and Sustainability departments.​

Main responsibilities :

• ​​Research, propose and present new business opportunities and ensure an accurate and targeted sales pipeline is in place with a corresponding action plan
• ​Anticipate and propose short-term sales objectives and modify them in line with the market situation/needs/ requirements/trends, in cooperation with the business development director.
• ​Smartly, creatively, and strategically seek out new leads
• ​Review and report on customer retention, business opportunities and market trends.
• ​Ensure sales tenders are managed to the highest standards to achieve top class conversion levels and deals are expertly negotiated, with the support of the key stakeholders
• ​Ensure all contracts are accurately implemented
• ​Works collaboratively with colleagues in other parts of the organization to identify and utilize existing resources to capture new business development​

Requirements:

• ​​Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• ​3+ years of overall sales experience in Foodservice
• ​A strong history of successfully growing the business by collaborating with both new and existing customers.
• ​Knowledge and understanding of the market structure, distribution channels and the competitive landscape. Preferably with a robust and current network within the Foodservice market.
• ​Excellent listening, negotiation, and presentation skills
• ​Good analytical skills
• ​Strong communication skills on all levels in the organization
• ​Strict, attention to detail, well organized, accurate and well documented
• ​Team player
• ​Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time (customer, internal meetings, networking events)
• ​Fluency in both English and Dutch, with German being a strong advantage​

​​Our head-office is based in Hoogstraten (BE), but we also have entities in the Netherlands and Germany. The candidate can be based in any of these countries, with the home base being Hoogstraten (BE).