Business Development Lead - Veterinary & Specialty Pet Food Stores

About the Opportunity

Addiction Pet Foods in New Zealand is seeking a commercially motivated and autonomous Business Development Lead to expand the company's footprint within veterinary clinics and specialist pet stores nationwide. This is a strategic, market growth-focused position aiming to establish long-term partnerships and support the launch of the exclusive Health Benefits pet food range tailored for veterinary practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new veterinary clinic clients across New Zealand to drive business growth.
• Establish and nurture enduring relationships with veterinary professionals, clinic decision-makers, and specialty channel customers.
• Effectively present the Health Benefits range, articulating its advantages professionally to potential clients.
• Manage extended sales cycles through frequent follow-ups, multiple interactions, and sustained relationship building.
• Develop and implement territory plans to increase market share and sales performance.
• Maintain engagement with current Specialist Channel clients to support ongoing development.
• Collect market, competitor, and customer insights to refine channel strategies.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including sales, marketing, product development, supply chain, and management.
• Represent Addiction Pet Foods professionally during client visits, trade shows, veterinary events, and related activities.
• Provide regular reports on territory progress, opportunities, risks, and sales outcomes.
• Independently handle travel arrangements, customer meetings, and follow-ups across New Zealand.

Candidate Profile

• Proven background in business development, territory management, field sales, or key account management.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate new client relationships, particularly in long sales cycles.
• Experience selling to veterinary clinics, specialist pet channels, FMCG, pet food, animal health, or related markets.
• Exceptional skills in communication, presentation, negotiation, and follow-through.
• A self-motivated individual capable of managing territory and scheduling with minimal supervision.
• Resilient and persistent in lead generation and customer conversion efforts.
• Sound commercial acumen and the ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Excellent planning and organizational capabilities.
• Willingness and capacity to travel extensively across New Zealand including overnight stays.
• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Documented success in FMCG, veterinary sales, pet food, animal health, or specialist channel sales.
• Existing professional connections within New Zealand's veterinary, pet specialty, or animal health sectors.
• Experience launching new product lines or establishing new sales channels.
• Competency in developing and presenting market growth strategies.
• Understanding of pet nutrition, veterinary clinic operations, or premium pet food marketing.

Working Conditions

• This role involves intensive travel and fieldwork, covering both North and South Islands of New Zealand.
• Frequent regional travel and overnight trips are expected, requiring excellent time management, planning, and personal resilience.
• The position suits someone who thrives on autonomy, enjoys market engagement, and thrives through prolonged, relationship-oriented sales processes.

Why Join Addiction Pet Foods?

This role offers a unique chance to influence and grow a niche market segment for a premium pet food company in New Zealand. It provides significant independence in territory management, an opportunity to shape channel strategies, and the chance to develop impactful partnerships within veterinary sectors.

Applicants should submit their CV and a concise cover letter highlighting their relevant experience in veterinary, FMCG, pet food, animal health, or specialist channel sales.