Senior Business Development Manager

About us

Soil Association Certification offers a huge range of organic and sustainable certification schemes across food, farming, catering, health and beauty, textiles and forestry, which are recognised and trusted by consumers and businesses worldwide.

We’re the UK’s leading organic certifier – you’ll find our symbol on over 70% of organic products – with schemes ranging from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) to COSMOS Organic & Natural to the Global Organic Textile Standard.

Soil Association Certification is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Soil Association and actively works to grow the market in our sectors and support sustainable business.

About the opportunity

We are excited to be looking for a Senior Business Development Manager to join our organisation. This role takes the lead in the development and growth of key organic food and drinks categories and schemes within organic farming and the main Agri-based sectors. It is responsible for the growth of the sectors/schemes and account management of clients, ensuring that we offer a comprehensive and appropriate mix of products and services.

About you

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Strong leadership and line management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to deliver professional presentations
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills
• Excellent relationship-building skills
• Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Creative and entrepreneurial approach to work
• Outstanding networker, able to maintain and build an extensive range of contacts and maintain high credibility with business owners, retailers and directors
• Ability to work well as part of a team as well as collaborate cross-organisationally
• Empathy with the values, aims and objectives of the Soil Association

Our Benefits

We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
• Family-friendly policies and flexible working
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce

Hours

37.5 hours per week

Fixed term - 12 months

Location

Bristol with hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)

To Apply

Click ‘apply now to submit your application form. Please note we look at applications on arrival and reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email upon submitting your application. All candidates will subsequently receive an email to confirm whether they have made it through to interview stage.

For any queries, please contact [email removed - click apply for more details]

Please note we do not accept CVs or Cover Letters.

We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you're not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat.

Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association.

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