Business Development Manager - EU Retail

ppKepak is a leading food company with manufacturing sites across Ireland and the UK. The Group operates across three divisions: the Foods Division, Meat Division UK, and Meat Division Ireland. Guided by our values—Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork— we are committed to operating as a successful, sustainable, future-ready business that is a great place to work. We supply fresh and value-added meat based products to retail and foodservice through private label and our own brands, including Rustlers, Big Al's and John Stone. /ppKepak Meat Division Ireland operates across multiple manufacturing sites, producing a range of quality meat and protein-based food products for retail and foodservice customers across both domestic and export markets. The division is recognised for its operational excellence, strong customer partnerships, and continuous innovation. /ppWe are seeking an ambitious bEU Retail Development Manager /b to lead the development and execution of our European retail growth strategy. This role will be responsible for identifying and securing new direct-to-retail opportunities, strengthening existing customer relationships, and delivering sustainable growth across key European markets. Working closely with Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, NPD, Finance, Food Safety Quality, and Marketing teams, you will drive strategic retail initiatives from concept through to implementation, ensuring commercial opportunities are operationally viable, scalable, and profitable. This role will require frequent travel across the EU. /ph3Key Responsibilities /h3ulliDevelop and implement Kepak's long-term EU Retail Development Strategy to support growth ambitions across Europe /liliIdentify and secure new retail business opportunities while managing and growing existing customer accounts /liliBuild strong relationships with retailers, buyers, category teams, distributors, and other key stakeholders /liliLead commercial negotiations, tender processes, pricing strategies, and contract management to achieve sales and margin targets /liliDrive retail operating model development and establish frameworks that support sustainable finished-product growth /liliCollaborate with NPD and Category teams to deliver innovative customer solutions aligned with market trends and consumer demands /liliLead cross-functional projects, ensuring successful delivery of new retail initiatives and customer programmes /liliMonitor market trends, competitor activity, and shopper insights to identify growth opportunities and enhance Kepak's retail proposition /liliChampion sustainability initiatives by aligning customer objectives with Kepak's sustainability strategy /li /ulh3Requirements /h3ulliProven business development experience within the FMCG industry /liliRelevant qualifications in any of the following disciplines an advantage: Business, agri-business, food business, strategic sales management, culinary, butchery or similar /liliDemonstrated knowledge of retail category management, retail sales and supply chain channels /liliExperience within the meat industry a distinct advantage /liliExcellent customer relationship management, influencing and negotiation skills /liliStrong commercial and financial acumen /liliFluency in English (written and spoken) essential /liliStrong working proficiency in other EU languages also required: French, Italian and / or German language /liliProject and budget management capability /liliFull clean driving licence /liliFull EU work and travel permit /li /ulh3Benefits /h3h3What can we offer you? /h3ulliCompany Pension /liliPaid Maternity Leave /liliFurther Education support - You'll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities /liliRefer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group /liliBike to Work Scheme - Purchase a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income - meaning you pay less tax! /liliLong Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees /li /ulp#IND /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr