Business Development Manager – Ireland & UK
Location: Ireland – with UK travel (remote)
This isn't simply an account management position. It's an opportunity to take ownership of a growing commercial category, influence strategy and help shape how a portfolio of companion animal brands develops across two markets. You'll have significant autonomy, regular exposure to senior management and the opportunity to develop your experience across category strategy, brand development, supplier relationships, route-to-market strategy and business development. For the right individual, the role offers a genuine pathway towards broader commercial leadership responsibility within a growing animal health business.
Our client is looking for someone who can go beyond traditional account management. Someone commercially minded, entrepreneurial and excited by the opportunity to build brands, develop new routes to market and shape category strategy.
The Opportunity
You will play a key role in developing the company's companion animal and pet retail business, managing strategic customer relationships while identifying and delivering new commercial opportunities.
A significant part of the role will involve developing a premium pet nutrition brand with an established European presence, expanding its position across specialist pet retail, veterinary, online and distributor channels.
This is a high-autonomy role where you'll work closely with senior management and have genuine influence over the future direction of the pet portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and develop strategic pet retail accounts across Ireland and the UK.
- Drive commercial growth across pet retail, veterinary, online and wholesale channels.
- Lead the development and growth of key companion animal brands, including a premium pet nutrition portfolio.
- Identify new customers, channels and routes to market.
- Develop and implement category growth plans.
- Build strong relationships with retailers, buying groups, distributors, suppliers and industry partners.
- Identify emerging market opportunities and translate them into commercial plans.
- Support brand positioning, product launches and new product development opportunities.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements.
- Represent the business at relevant industry events, exhibitions and customer meetings.
- Take ownership of the commercial performance of a growing pet portfolio.
- Work closely with internal teams and external partners to maximise sales and category performance.
About You
You'll ideally bring a combination of account management, business development and commercial/category development experience.
You'll also have:
- Experience in the Pet Retail and Companion Animal Health industry.
- An understanding of pet nutrition would be highly advantageous.
- A strong commercial mindset and track record of delivering growth.
- Experience developing customer and/or strategic account relationships.
- Confidence in identifying and winning new business opportunities.
- Strong influencing, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- An entrepreneurial approach and the ability to work with autonomy.
- A genuine interest in building brands and developing categories.
- Willingness to travel throughout Ireland and the UK.
Package: Competitive salary, bonus and benefits, commensurate with experience
For more information, please contact Laura on +44 161 528 8636 or email [email protected]