Business Development Manager

About Lactalis-Mainland Dairy

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy, formerly the global Consumer and associated businesses of Fonterra, is now part of the Lactalis Group, a global dairy leader headquartered in France. Founded in 1933 in Laval, France, Lactalis operates in 50 countries with approximately 85,500 employees worldwide. The group owns renowned dairy brands like Président, Galbani, and Parmalat, alongside trusted local brands tailored to each region. In New Zealand, Lactalis-Mainland Dairy employs over 4,300 staff across 16 production facilities in Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, manufacturing popular brands such as Anchor, Mainland, Fresh ’n’ Fruity, and Primo, loved by generations of Kiwi families. The company’s dedicated team focuses on nurturing future opportunities and driving innovation in nutrition and food.

Role Overview

We are seeking a proactive Business Development Manager to oversee a promising territory within the Taranaki region. This role emphasizes cultivating reliable customer relationships and accelerating profitable growth across various channels, including grocery, route, foodservice, and distributor networks. Reporting to the Regional Sales Manager, the role offers a hands-on approach, combining market presence, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic sales plan aimed at boosting product availability, visibility, and customer focus within key accounts and channels.
• Maintain a disciplined call schedule with supermarket customers while actively spotting and securing new possibilities in the out-of-home sector.
• Collaborate effectively with grocery clients, distributors, and the Anchor Franchisee network to increase customer numbers, enhance product ranging, and strengthen in-store presence.
• Leverage sales analytics, market intelligence, and competitor insights to identify growth opportunities, challenge current performances, and support informed commercial strategies.
• Own territory management, strategically planning weekly agendas balancing fieldwork, administrative duties, reporting, and forward-looking initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• 3 to 5+ years’ experience in FMCG sales, preferably covering grocery, route, foodservice, or distributor channels.
• Strong commercial insight with the ability to analyse sales data, interpret trends, and effectively narrate findings.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and the confidence to identify, pursue, and secure expansion opportunities.
• Self-driven, well-organized, and proactive with excellent planning and multitasking capabilities.
• Proficient in using tools such as Salesforce, Microsoft Office suite, and sales reporting systems.

What We Provide

• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career progression and advancement within a global enterprise.
• A positive, team-driven work environment where your contributions make a tangible impact.
• Commitment to high standards in quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Diversity and Inclusion

Lactalis-Mainland Dairy supports equal opportunity employment, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or physical ability.