Business Development Manager

About the Company

Our client specializes in providing specialty and functional ingredients primarily serving the food, beverage, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement markets. They collaborate with manufacturers throughout New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific region to supply high-quality, scientifically validated ingredient solutions that promote health, wellness, and nutrition trends.

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager, based in Auckland, is tasked with expanding the company's presence within the nutritional ingredients sector. This role focuses on discovering new business opportunities, fostering strong client connections, and driving revenue growth for categories such as food, beverage, sports nutrition, and dietary supplements. Collaboration with technical, regulatory, and supply chain teams will be crucial to successfully market ingredient solutions while managing both new and established customer portfolios.

Key Responsibilities

• Pinpoint and secure new business prospects within nutritional ingredients including functional foods, supplements, sports nutrition, dairy, bakery, and beverages.
• Create and implement strategic plans to meet sales and profit margin objectives.
• Establish and sustain robust relationships with key clients, distributors, and industry partners across New Zealand and Australia.
• Remain well-informed about industry trends, competitor developments, and new nutritional ingredient technologies.
• Collaborate with suppliers and principals to explore ingredient innovations that align with market needs.
• Coordinate with technical and regulatory teams to aid in product development and ensure compliance.
• Develop and present persuasive proposals, presentations, and lead pricing negotiations.
• Represent the company at industry trade fairs, conferences, and networking events to generate leads.
• Keep CRM data, sales forecasts, and pipeline reports accurate and current.
• Provide market insights and customer feedback to inform both product offerings and supplier strategies.

Candidate Profile

• At least 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management within ingredients, food/beverage manufacturing, nutraceuticals, or similar B2B sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of the nutritional ingredients industry, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, botanicals, and functional additives, is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to meet sales targets and expand customer portfolios.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness combined with analytical and problem-solving strengths.
• Self-driven, achievement-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Preferred tertiary education in Food Science, Nutrition, Business, or related disciplines.
• Possession of a valid New Zealand driver’s license and willingness to travel domestically; some international travel may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Attractive base salary complemented by performance-related bonuses.
• Allowance for company vehicle use.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a niche and expanding sector.
• Engagement with a diverse client base across Australia and New Zealand’s nutrition and food manufacturing industries.