Business Development Manager

SUMMARY:
New Business Development Manager 
Hygiene Solutions Industry
Cape Town

Our client, a leading provider of chemical and hygiene solutions, is seeking a dynamic and results-driven New Business Development Manager to drive growth within the Western and Southern Cape F&B Division.
This role focuses on new business acquisition, key account management, and long-term commercial sustainability within the food manufacturing sector, requiring a strong blend of sales leadership, technical expertise, and consultative solution selling.

POSITION INFO:

Industry Focus

• B2B sales within food manufacturing environments
• Clients include procurement, production, quality control, hygiene, and facility managers
• Product focus: specialised industrial cleaning chemicals (sanitizers, degreasers, disinfectants, detergents, CIP chemicals)
• Sales cycles are long and complex, involving trials, approvals, and multi-stakeholder decision-making

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Business Management

• Manage overall sales and commercial performance of the division
• Monitor budgets and provide insights on profitability and growth
• Oversee SLA agreements to ensure and improve profitability
• Review project costings, investigate variances, and implement corrective actions
• Control branch-level expenses and operational costs
• Prepare regional sales and expense budgets

Operations Management

• Ensure adherence to technical and logistical SOPs
• Resolve escalated operational queries
• Collaborate with service providers for cost-effective support
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the branch
• Provide specialist product and application recommendations
• Ensure compliance with Labour, Health & Safety, and client regulations

Client Management, Sales & Business Development

• Drive new business development through a consultative, solution-based approach
• Manage and retain key accounts, ensuring long-term partnerships
• Build relationships with multiple stakeholders across client operations
• Lead complex sales processes, including product trials, approvals, and contract negotiations
• Prepare and present proposals, RFQs, and SLA agreements
• Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for new products/services
• Deliver technical support, training, and on-site guidance to clients

Technical & Solution Selling

• Provide expert knowledge of industrial cleaning chemicals, including formulations and applications
• Ensure solutions meet food safety standards (e.g., HACCP) and regulatory compliance requirements
• Diagnose client challenges and offer tailored, cost-effective cleaning solutions
• Support implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous optimisation of cleaning processes
• Demonstrate ROI, efficiency improvements, and cost savings to clients

Systems Development & Risk Management

• Implement systems to monitor client performance and SLA compliance
• Optimize operations for efficiency and cost savings
• Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring technical feasibility of solutions
• Evaluate Free on Loan equipment requests
• Identify at-risk accounts and implement retention strategies

People Management

• Lead and develop the regional team to achieve performance targets
• Drive company culture, values, and engagement
• Manage performance, productivity, and employee relations
• Oversee recruitment aligned with operational needs

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric (Grade 12) – essential
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Sales, Chemical, or Food Science (advantageous)
• Minimum 7 years’ industry experience, including 5 years in senior sales or regional management
• Proven experience in B2B sales within food manufacturing or chemical hygiene solutions
• Strong Key Account Management and business development track record
• In-depth knowledge of cleaning chemicals, applications, and safety protocols
• Understanding of HACCP and food safety regulations
• Experience managing budgets, profitability, and branch operations
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable vehicle