Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager – Netherlands & Germany Are you a commercially driven sales hunter with a track record of opening new retail and distribution accounts? Do you have experience winning new business with major retail chains, buying groups or distributors? Can you combine proactive prospecting with confident commercial negotiation across international markets? A fast-growing European consumer goods business is seeking a commercially driven Business Development Manager to accelerate expansion across the Netherlands and Germany. This is a true new business development role focused on opening doors with major specialist retailers, national chains, e-commerce businesses, buying groups and distributors. Based in Amsterdam, you will own the full sales cycle across both markets and use fluent German to negotiate confidently with buyers, category managers and business owners. The successful candidate will be highly proactive and hands-on, building a pipeline, shaping a territory sales strategy and converting opportunities into long-term commercial partnerships while working closely with sales, marketing and category colleagues. Key Responsibilities New Business Development Identify, target and win new listings with major specialist retailers, national chains, e-commerce businesses, buying groups and distributors across the Netherlands and Germany.Build and manage a strong pipeline through proactive prospecting rather than relying on inbound leads.Own the full sales cycle from initial contact and pitch through to negotiation, close and onboarding. Commercial Strategy & Partnerships Develop and execute a territory strategy aligned with the wider European commercial plan.Build relationships with distributor partners to extend market reach beyond directly managed chain accounts.Represent the business at trade shows, buyer meetings and relevant industry events across both markets. Market Insight & Collaboration Track competitor activity and market trends across the Netherlands and Germany.Report pipeline, forecasts and account plans regularly to sales leadership.Work closely with marketing and category teams to plan launches and support new accounts. What We're Looking For Proven success in field sales or business development within FMCG or another consumer goods category, selling into large retail chains and distributors.A genuine hunter mentality: actively opens new doors, creates opportunities and thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-effort sales environment.Relevant market knowledge and, ideally, an established network across specialist retail, e-commerce, buying groups and larger chains.Comfort operating at different levels, from independent business owners to purchasing managers, category managers and senior decision makers.Commercial maturity, including the ability to build business cases, negotiate professionally and develop long-term partnerships.Strong understanding of category economics, positioning, margins, distribution models and route-to-market considerations.A consultative selling approach that connects customer needs, product benefits, consumer demand and the customer's business model into a convincing proposition.An independent, constructive and challenging mindset, with the confidence to question assumptions and create better commercial solutions.Strong communication and influencing skills, supported by high energy, persistence and resilience.Fluent German, native or near-native, and professional English; Dutch would be advantageous.Based in, or willing to relocate to, Amsterdam, with regular travel across the Netherlands and Germany. What's On Offer Competitive base salary plus performance-related commission.Car allowance and travel expenses for regular market visits.The autonomy to build and shape a high-potential territory from an early stage.The opportunity to join an ambitious consumer goods business expanding across Europe. Why This Role? This is an opportunity for a resilient new-business specialist who wants to build a market, create strategic customer relationships and make a visible contribution to an ambitious European growth story.