Business Development Manager – Key Accounts

Due to continued growth and increasing international demand, the business is now seeking to appoint an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager. This is a strategic role responsible for growing key New Zealand accounts, developing new domestic business, and potentially taking ownership of an export market such as Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, or Korea.

This role offers the opportunity to directly influence market growth, expand both local and international presence, and build long-term commercial partnerships.

The Role:
This is a broad, relationship-driven role combining account management and new business development and possibly export market growth. You will be responsible for identifying and securing new opportunities while strengthening relationships with existing clients to maximise long-term value.

• Prospect, engage, and convert new customers (e.g. food manufacturers, ingredient formulators and industrial users).

• Grow and develop relationships with existing key clients, increasing share of wallet.

• Identify, develop, and secure new export customers, supporting international market expansion and revenue growth

• Lead proposal preparation, pricing, contract negotiations, and closing of commercial agreements

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring high levels of responsiveness, and retention.

• Collaborate with internal teams including Quality, Production, Logistics, and R&D to deliver customer solutions

• Drive growth through product extensions, application development, and new commercial opportunities

• Monitor competitor activity, industry trends, and emerging ingredient technologies

• Maintain accurate CRM records, pipeline reporting, forecasting, and management updates

• Travel within New Zealand and internationally as required

• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows and conferences.

 About You:
You are a commercially astute and proactive sales professional who thrives on building relationships, identifying opportunities, and delivering measurable growth. You enjoy working autonomously while collaborating internally to deliver strong customer outcomes.

• A proactive, opportunity-driven mindset with strong commercial instincts

• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capability

• A customer-focused approach and commitment to service excellence

• The ability to build trust and influence across multiple stakeholders

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple markets and priorities

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in Business Development, Export Sales, or Key Account Management

• Experience within food ingredients, food manufacturing, or related sectors.

• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and ability to structure profitable deals (pricing, margins, terms).

• Experience managing cross-functional projects and complex customer relationships

• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills

• Strong Microsoft Office capability, particularly Excel

Why Apply?

• Join a quality-led manufacturer with strong backing and room to scale.

• Competitive remuneration package, including 6 figure base, Company vehicle, and bonuses, as well as

  • Medical insurance for you and your family (Children under 21)

  • Life insurance, 1-year annual salary payout

  • GP Doctor's visit insurance

  • Super Annuation of total of 7.5% (includes compulsory kiwi saver)

Apply now or contact Lisa Baggaley at Kings Recruitment — 09 600 5155 or [email protected].

 Please note that only those shortlisted will be contacted and this will happen within one week of your application.