Business Development Manager

Role Overview Business Development Manager (this is an interim role that may become permanent)Field based (Geographic Area Dependent on Successful Candidate)Competitive Salary plus bonusExcellent Benefits Package We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Convenience Retailing Business Development Manager to join our SPAR Blakemore Trade Partners Team. Your role is to support and develop the existing SPAR convenience store customer base in your allocated area while controlling the implementation of Trade Partner initiatives and ensuring that multi‑site retailers maintain the standard required by A.F. Blakemore and SPAR. We take the word “Partner” seriously and seek a determined, articulate self‑starter with a real passion for customer service to collaborate, support and listen as we continue to add value to our SPAR customers' businesses and drive retail sales. Key Tasks / Responsibilities Development of appropriate retail business plans, operational targets, and budgets, in conjunction with the retailer Monitoring retailers’ level of adherence / loyalty towards recognised SPAR operating standards and facilitating improvement as required Monitoring retailer performance and facilitating improvement as required, in conjunction with the wider retail team The control of bad debt management within the business and liaising closely with head office with regard to issues identified Providing retailers with information and support regarding the implementation of new SPAR developments / initiatives Providing retailers with advice / sources of information reference general business issues and legislation (e.g. health and food safety, training, employment law, etc.) Developing good working relationships with individual retailers and their teams, without compromising the needs and expectations of the AFB Group Identification of issues that may affect the retailer’s ability to trade or pay AFB Group bills, and the reporting of these to head office Successful integration of new retailers as they are handed over from Recruitment Supporting the Regional Sales Managers by representing the Sales Department within project groups Essential Requirements Ideally possess managerial experience in Convenience Store/Supermarket Account management experience with B2B accounts, ideally in convenience/food UK Driving Licence High level of numeracy and literacy A good knowledge of Retail Operations Excellent customer service skills A passion for Retail Extremely self‑motivated and driven Experienced in Account/Field Management Desirable Business Degree or equivalent Retail Management experience What’s in it for you? Competitive Salary plus Bonus Opportunity A dynamic role in an expanding team Fast paced exciting opportunity working with some of the UK's leading brands including SPAR Generous staff discount Proactive promotion of internal candidates Market Leading Benefits Scheme 24/7 access to your payslips via HR/Payroll portal Staff Discount in our SPAR stores Access to our colleague benefits scheme which offers a wide range of high street retail, holiday & leisure discounts Company Life Insurance worth 1x Annual Salary and 6x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme NEST pension scheme Company Pension Scheme Extra Holidays – Purchase Scheme Long Service Awards About Us A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK. Our forward‑thinking family‑owned business began life in 1917 as a counter‑service grocery store and has grown into a company that now owns 250 SPAR convenience stores and employs almost 6,000 people, with a turnover of £1.2 billion. As one of the largest convenience retailers in the UK, we are always looking for innovative ways to create a point of difference. Food and drink have always been our lifeblood, and today our business has multiple divisions specialising in SPAR retail, food service and wholesale distribution. SPAR is the world’s largest international food retail chain, encompassing more than 12,000 stores in 40 countries. With more than 2,600 stores and a turnover in excess of £3 billion, SPAR is also the UK’s leading convenience store group. Being a ‘symbol’ group means that individual SPAR members retain their independence but enjoy the many benefits of being part of a global brand. Key Details Department: Retail – Field/HO Management Contract type: Temporary Hours: 40hrs p/w (Flexible) Salary: Competitive (plus bonus) Benefits Company Sick Pay Scheme, Additional Holidays, Company Pension Scheme, Staff Discount, Long Service Awards, Life Cover, Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee Volunteering Opportunities, Company Vehicle commensurate with job role Closing date for applications 31st December, 2025 Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Business Development and Sales Industries Retail #J-18808-Ljbffr